The Public Works Department (PWD) and the Dhar Construction Company have been directed to stop the ongoing construction of the Jowai Bypass till both, adopt measures to stop the flow of debris into the Myntdu River.
An inspection was today carried out by Extra Assistant Commissioner, Silvester Phanbuh and officials of the Water Resources Department after the Khooid Ya Ka Wah Myntdu (KYM) group complaint that dumping of debris turned the water muddy.
Roadwork, specifically to construct the road, is ruining the Myntdu River, which is a major source of water for Jowai. The public have also complained of receiving muddy water for the last two years.
Phanbuh told reporters that multiple reasons have caused significant pollution of the river which has resulted in the contamination of the water supply of the entire town of Jowai.
Besides earth moving from the ongoing road construction by the PWD Roads, Central Division, sand mining too has contributed to the pollution of the river.
Following the inspection, District Magistrate Batlang S Sohliya had to renew restrictions under Section 144 CrPC on activities that will further pollute the river.
Besides halt in the road construction, the PWD Roads, Central Division have been directed take immediate action to restore the quality of water.
The order also bans sand mining and stone quarries all along the river Myntdu and on the river bed. Washing of clothes and vehicles, dumping of spoils and waste materials, both solid and liquid, as well as waste/muck from road construction into the river have been banned.
