Shillong, Jun 25: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) has raised concerns regarding the indiscriminate dumping of garbage along the Wenok Stream in East Garo Hills, posing a threat to human health, environment, and water quality in the region.
According to GSU Nengkra unit president, Ringrang M. Sangma, the garbage originates from Dobu Market and is being carelessly discarded into the stream. This waste is then carried downstream to the Rongram River, affecting the surrounding Nengkra area.
He said many residents, especially children, are increasingly suffering from skin diseases and other water-borne illnesses linked to the polluted water. Furthermore, the local river ecosystem, which supports various aquatic life, is deteriorating, leading to the death of fish and other species.
The Wenok Stream is vital for daily activities, serving as the only water source for washing and farming for numerous families in the Nengkra region.
The GSU has formally reached out to the president of the Dobu Bazar Committee to highlight the urgent need for improved waste management practices. Calling for an immediate stop to dumping of garbage the union has urged the committee to establish proper waste disposal systems.
If the pollution issue remains unaddressed, the GSU has warned they would take up the matter to the East Garo Hills district administration for further action.
