Meghalaya is not new to rampant hill cutting and blatant disregard to the beauty that it naturally possesses, that is and will be an envy of visitors. Its rich natural resources are being plundered left, right and centre by the wealthy lot, who seemed to care less of the future generations. The recent case brought to the fore by an environmental group, Green Tech Foundation in its social media handle and made an urgent call for citizens to unite to safeguard the valley, warning that the area is under threat from the mafia and a few powerful people.
Markham Valley in Eastern West Khasi Hills, about 71 km from Shillong, has recently become popular for its scenic landscape, often compared to the famed Dzukou Valley in Nagaland. The lush greenery, mist-covered hills offer a serene escape for nature lovers and livelihood opportunities for several locals as visitor footfall gradually increased. Unfortunately, in most cases of environmental destruction and degradation, involvement of local political entities has been reported. The mining nexus raises questions about governance and accountability, casting a long shadow over the future of environmental conservation efforts in Meghalaya.
Past incidents, most notably the landslides linked to the construction of the Shillong-Dawki road, exemplify the dire consequences of negligence in enforcing environmental laws. These landslides not only resulted in loss of life but also severely impacted the ecosystem, highlighting the urgent need for reform in governmental practices. The State government must prioritise community engagement and education on the importance of environmental preservation. This requires the establishment of regular dialogue channels where citizens can report illegal activities and advocate for sustainable practices.
Currently, it is not clear for what purpose the beautiful valley is being destroyed but the destructive hill cutting is not only reshaping the landscape but also endangering the delicate ecosystems that thrive within the valley. For whatever cause it is, we are sacrificing the natural space at the altar of doom without accountability. It is imperative that a stringent policy of zero tolerance is adopted against any environmental threats.
In the face of threats to humanity’s future there is a growing movement to recognise access to nature as a right, not a privilege. The United Nations General Assembly declared that everyone on the planet has a right to a healthy environment, which is an important step in countering the alarming decline of the natural world. It called on states to step up efforts to ensure their people have access to a “clean, healthy and sustainable environment.”
Protecting the irreplaceable Markham landscapes is not merely about conserving biodiversity but is inherently linked to the well-being of the communities. The fate of Markham Valley hangs in the balance, and it is essential to prioritise ecological preservation over reckless development. The future generations deserve to inherit the awe-inspiring landscapes that today’s actions might destroy.
