The Meghalaya High Court has directed the State government not to allow any construction to come up within 50 metres of the high-water mark of Umiam Lake without the permission of the court.
The division bench of the High Court while taking up a suo motu PIL on the matter also asked the State government to make every endeavour to preserve all the water bodies in the State.
During today’s hearing, an affidavit was filed by the Secretary to the State Government in the Forest and Environment Department.
The affidavit mentioned that the sub-committee of experts has drafted a set of norms and guidelines for future construction around the water bodies in the State. The draft guidelines for protection and conservation of water bodies have also been submitted to the court.
During the hearing, the State government told the High Court that the draft guidelines have been circulated for comments from various departments and the District Councils.
At the request of the State government, the High Court decided to hold the next hearing after eight weeks to enable for a firm stand pertaining to the guidelines to be indicated by the State government.
