Shillong, Sep 21: East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said the district administration will soon convene a meeting with stakeholders to draw up an action plan to address pollution in Shillong’s rivers, including the Umshyrpi and Wahumkhrah.
Baranwal said river pollution has consistently been flagged as a major concern by residents and other stakeholders during his interactions with the community.
“I completely appreciate it and for that we are going to soon call a meeting based on the inspection that I’ve had and we’ll chart out a plan about how to go about it,” he said.
The DC said he had recently inspected areas around Urkaliar along with Operation Cleanup Shillong and also held discussions with local headmen, faith leaders and other stakeholders.
He said addressing river pollution would require the cooperation of all stakeholders, adding that the fact that the city is concerned about the issue would make it easier to bring them on board.
On reports of illegal construction along the banks of rivers, Baranwal said the administration had received complaints and forwarded them to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).
“We have received also reports from MSPCB regarding some of these constructions and the law will take its own course,” he said.
During his inspection at Urkaliar, the administration also found some houses which, based on complaints from the local community, allegedly did not have septic tanks.
Baranwal said notices had been issued to such households, pointing out that the absence of septic tanks could violate safety norms and pose a public health hazard.
He said the administration would take action against such activities while also ensuring that river pollution is addressed and the width of the rivers is not compromised.
River pollution is a longstanding problem that has only gotten worse as Shillong’s population has expanded. The district administration, MSPCB, district council and different departments including all the way up to the Chief Minister have urged, prodded, pleaded and threatened the public to try and reduce pollution but seemingly to no avail.
