Umngot River, the pride of Ri War and flagship of Meghalaya’s eco-tourism plans has gone muddy. In 2021, an image showcasing its crystal-clear waters, which make it appear as though boats are floating on air, went viral when the Jal Shakti Ministry shared it describing the river as one of the cleanest rivers in the world. The ‘flying boat’ picture also caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who made a mention of it in his 83rd episode of a monthly radio programme.
However, this time videos and pictures of the crystal green water turning murky has sent shockwaves across the state with tourism stakeholders, nature lovers, tourists and citizens pointing to the ongoing Shillong-Tamabil road expansion project as a key factor contributing to the river’s changing water quality.
Families through tourism-based livelihoods depend heavily on the river’s clarity and natural charm and now with this transformation both the local economy and identity of Meghalaya tourism could have a major impact, if left unaddressed.
Meghalaya stands out as an eco-tourism destination. If the river loses its crystal-clear waters, it could damage the state’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism. Not just the Umngot River. Other rivers and streams in the State are not at all safe from the constant digging in the name of development, whether it is for roads and infrastructure, house building, spreading urbanization in the small towns and the expansion of the highways to four lanes. For any construction project it is important for authorities to ensure that essential environmental safeguards are not neglected in the race to achieve infrastructure development because economic growth cannot come at the cost of natural resources that make the State unique.
Except for the Shillong MP, no higher echelons in governance have sounded an alarm. It always takes the commons to warn or to bring to attention about environmental deterioration just what had happened to the Myntdu River, West Jaintia Hills. Concerned stakeholders have formed a group to keep watch on those destroying and damaging the river that feeds Jowai. Similarly, residents of Ri War could put in efforts to mobilise and save valuable natural assets it possesses by balancing necessary infrastructure development with environmental conservation.
The government needs to adopt stronger policies, including more rigorous environmental impact assessments for all infrastructure projects. With proper oversight, it is possible to develop the region’s infrastructure while preserving the natural resources that make Meghalaya a premier eco-tourism destination.
Umngot River is described as a living symbol of Meghalaya’s heritage and the spirit of sustainable coexistence. Let the boats float on the void once again.
