Shillong water crisis: More tough days ahead says Meghalaya Govt

But the government has worked out a plan to resolve the issue that has delayed the third phase of Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) pending release of land by

Reported by Purbasha Bhattacharjee

Meghalaya PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak said on Monday that Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya and a tourist hotspot, might face some tough times as the city might face shortage in water supply due to delay in the completion of phase III of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS).

Speaking to Northeast Live, Marak said, “Yes we can expect that (shortage in water supply) because the 3rd phase of Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) Phase III which is pending because of Hima Mawphlang not cooperating with the department. Till now we are waiting for the plot of land which they are supposed to give to the PHE department. Just because of that we are stuck up. If we get that plot of land, construction for the phase-2 tank of Shillong water supply scheme would have been started. So we are just stuck up there. Once that is done, water is plenty in the Umiam river, it is ready. Rest in terms of the distribution, there are 12 zones, for which work has been completed for 2 zones and the rest are under construction.”
“There were lots of hindrances like clearance from forest department, from cantonment board, PWD, all these issues are settled now. Only the Hima Mawphlang issue is remaining. So once that is done we will be able to start. I hope if it is done we will be able to resolve the water crisis in the Shillong city,” Marak added.
However, the Meghalaya Government has worked out a plan to resolve the issues once and for all by accepting a condition put forward by the Hima Mawphlang.
Sharing more details about this, the Meghalaya PHE minister said, “Regarding Hima Mawphlang several issues had cropped up with them but finally we are just about to get it resolved. They have requested for government employment of 22 persons, the government has agreed to that. The Chief Engineer has already issued a letter saying that they should be submitting their list of people, whom they would be recommending for employment. So, the government has already agreed but just waiting for their (Hima Mawphlang) application to the department. Once that is done we are ready to give them appointment.”

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