Ganol River Dam in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills Choked by Garbage, Raising Concern Over Ecological and Tourism Threat

Alarmed residents are calling for immediate government intervention.

Concerns are mounting over a growing environmental crisis at the Ganol River Dam in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, where a surge in garbage accumulation is threatening both the local ecosystem and the region’s tourism-dependent economy.

Alarmed residents are calling for immediate government intervention.

A video shared by a local resident shows disturbing scenes of garbage-clogged waters at the Ganol River Dam, a vital part of the region’s ecology and a magnet for tourism, signaling a potential environmental disaster.

The footage shows heaps of plastic waste and debris blocking the waterway, prompting urgent calls for government intervention to prevent lasting ecological damage.

The Ganol River, cherished for its scenic beauty and home to popular tourist destinations such as Pelga Waterfalls, Shela Wari, and Wa Wari, now faces the risk of irreversible damage.

Residents and environmental observers fear that continued waste inflow could not only degrade these tourist hotspots but also severely impact aquatic life.

When garbage is dumped into a river, it leads to a cascade of environmental consequences. Plastics, chemicals, and organic waste pollute the water, making it unsafe for drinking, fishing, or irrigation.

Aquatic animals face life-threatening risks from toxic substances, entanglement, and ingestion of debris.

Accumulated garbage can also obstruct natural river flow, increasing the chances of flooding and creating stagnant zones that deteriorate water quality.

The pollution extends beyond the water, impacting the surrounding environment, livelihoods, and local tourism economy.

The natural beauty that draws visitors to Ganol is tarnished by waste, while decomposing garbage depletes oxygen in the water, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and the food chain. Health risks for nearby communities also grow, as contaminated water can spread diseases and compromise agricultural irrigation.

Residents demand organised cleanup drives and strict measures to curb garbage dumping, especially around markets like Rangram Bazaar, where unregulated disposal is believed to be a major source of the problem.

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