Shillong, Aug 12: The expansion of road networks and other infrastructures in the state although a sign of development being undertaken by the Meghalaya government but how sustainable is it?
The Green-Tech Foundation has expressed its concern that with the expansion of the Shillong-Dawki road by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the contractors dump their soil into the Umtyngar river.
“The expansion of the road in this stretch and beyond has allowed them to make the rivers into dumping grounds for soils and stones,” HBN Nonglang chairman of the Green-Tech Foundation said.
Nonglang said that the government will build roads networks, ropeways and skywalks for the benefit of the citizens of the state but if they do not have water sources, rivers or forests what’s the use of such development.
He asked what the future holds for the people of the state in such a situation in the next decade or so.
“We warn the NHIDCL not make the river into a place for dumping soil and by doing so don’t finish our water sources,” Nonglang added.
He said that the foundation was not against development but recently it went to inspect Umtyngar river and it was found out that the contractors are finding an easy way out by dumping soils and other debris into this river.
Nonglang also warned that if this matter goes for litigation in the form of PIL in the High Court and there’s a stay order (on construction of the road) not to blame Green-Tech Foundation.
He expressed his surprise if there is coordination between the PWD (Roads) of the state with other departments before implementing this project.
The chairman of the Green-Tech Foundation also said that in the implementation of the various developmental projects in the state there is no proper consultation among the stakeholders.
Expressing his dismay at the blatant degradation of the environment due to the developmental projects by the Meghalaya government, Nonglang said that if one says that the citizens of the state in the next 10 years do not need water, forests cover or breath fresh air then they are free to use the roads, ropeways and skywalks.
“But if these rivers are to be destroyed in the name of development we will never accept it,” the chairman of Green-Tech Foundation said.
