Residents of Jowai have joined forces with the Khooid Ya ka Wah Myntdu (KYM) organisation to fight for restoration of the Myntdu River, harmed by pollution caused by dumping of mud and debris from the construction of the byepass.
About 235 residents and members of the KYM met today at the Dorbar Shnong Chilliang Raij in Jowai to discuss on ways to counter the threats posed to the river, which is a source of drinking water to the residents.
The meeting expressed concern over the non-utilisation of the Rs 5 lakh deposited to the West Jaiñtia Hills District-Environment Protection & Restoration Fund pledged by a contractor to make up for damages caused to the river in January.
While prohibitions against throwing of plastics and other wastes have been announced by the respective dorbar shnongs in Jowai town, the meeting also discussed ban on dumping of mud that has destroyed the farmlands at Pynthorneiñ and Pynthorwah located near the river.
A decision was also taken to urge the state government to extract the dumped mud from farmlands and compensation be paid to the affected farmers as well as the debris in the reservoir dam at Moopiah.
The meeting further decided to move the Meghalaya High Court and the National Green Tribunal on the matter if the government fails to take decisive action to restore Myntdu.
