Shillong, Sep 29: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has sought stronger and proportionate Environmental Compensation against industries violating environmental laws.
In a memorandum to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), HITO flagged that MSPCB imposed only Rs 20,000 on RNB Cement and Rs 12,500 on Riangdo Veneers, Umiam, under Section 33A of Water Act and 31A of Air Act — amounts that have little deterrent effect on established units.
The organisation said such nominal fines make a mockery of the ‘polluter pays’ principle when the State spends crores on restoring polluted rivers. It cited the Rs 39-40 crore Wah Umkhrah Riverfront Rejuvenation project and Rs 7.9 crore spent on waste removal, besides Apex Committee for rejuvenation of Wah Umkhrah, Wah Umshyrpi and Wah Umkhen.
HITO said higher compensation is possible as MSPCB itself imposed Rs 31.25 lakh for violations in Jowai Bypass construction in March 2026, Rs 26.25 lakh on Shillong Municipal Board for solid waste violations, and Rs 15 lakh over Umngot River pollution linked to Shillong-Dawki road project.
Urging the MSPCB to factor in seriousness, duration, scale of industry, sensitivity of area, repeat violations and restoration cost while fixing compensation, HITO demanded review of low-compensation cases, progressive action against repeat offenders including closure and prosecution, surprise inspections in clusters like Umiam, Byrnihat, Ri-Bhoi and Jaintia Hills, transparent disclosure of fines, and use of compensation money for river rejuvenation.
It also requested the board to take up the matter with the Chief Secretary, Forest & Environment Department, MoEF&CC and CPCB for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
