Shillong, Nov 3: A road construction firm whose actions directly led to the muddiness of the crystal clear waters of the Umngot River will take corrective measures, Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui, who is also a cabinet minister, assured today.
The river is famed for its crystal clear water, which attracts tourists from all over the country. The river naturally loses some clarity during the monsoon but the situation became a lot worse than usual recently.
The blame has fallen on a contractor, who, when clearing debris, dumped the loose earth above a small stream. This soil was then washed into the stream following rainfall and landed up in the Umngot.
The landslide took place near Laitlyngkot some time before Durga Puja, Rymbui said.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who holds charge of the Public Works Department, has already directed the company to take corrective measures immediately.
“The company has responded positively and assured that necessary steps will be taken so that the glory of the Umngot River — the pride of Meghalaya — is restored. A muddy Umngot is a loss not just for tourism, but for the livelihood of many,” Rymbui said.
The legislator expressed concern over the change in the river’s colour and quality, noting that the issue has not only affected aquatic life but also the livelihood of those dependent on tourism. “We cannot deny the fact that the Umngot River is famous for its crystal-clear water, where people love boating and fishing. But recently, the water has turned muddy, which has affected the life of fish and other living organisms. It has also affected the livelihood of people because many tourists plan their visit to Umngot (specifically Dawki) a year in advance to experience the beauty of the river,” he said.
When asked whether any compensation was being sought from the company after the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board reportedly found the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corp Ltd (NHIDCL) responsible, Rymbui said all preventive and mitigation measures are laid out in the detailed project report (DPR). “If there is any violation of the conditions in the DPR, the Pollution Control Board or the competent authority will take necessary action,” he added.
