Meghalaya’s Umkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers among 45 most polluted rivers of India: NGT

The meeting was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and members of Dorbar Shnongs, among representatives from different civil bodies

The Umkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers of Meghalaya have been listed among the 45 most polluted rivers in the country by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Meghalaya Chief Secretary DP Wahlang said on Friday.
Speaking at a meeting on Rejuvenation and Restoration of the major rivers of Shillong held at Yojana Bhawan, Chief Secretary Wahlang admitted that cleaning up these two rivers will be a long-drawn process and a timeline cannot be set for it.

However, he informed that steps are being taken by engaging all stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Talking about the steps being taken to clean the rivers, the Chief Secretary said, “Meghalaya government has given 45 days to a concerned party to take corrective measures to clean up the Umkhen river, which is one of the major sources of water supply in the city.”The chief secretary, DP Wahlang, stated that the problem was right from the source, and some mining activity was ongoing around the area.

In a recent stakeholder meeting, the focus was on the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to work together to clean up the rivers. Speaking about the Umkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers, Wahlang informed that the government has identified 32 areas – 20 along Umkhrah and 12 along Umshyrpi, where Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) need to be set up. “We have set up a few and are waiting for land in the remaining areas. We have asked the local dorbars to put up STPs as the direction of the NGT,” he added.
Moreover, the government has imposed hefty penalties on anyone discharging directly into the rivers and those having faulty septic tanks. The fine will be imposed at the rate of Rs 500 per day if the septic tanks are not being repaired in 10 days. This decision was taken in the stakeholder meeting held on April 6.

The meeting was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and members of Dorbar Shnongs, among representatives from different civil bodies.

The Chief Minister highlighted the need for consultation with various Rangbah Shnong, civil societies, and organizations from Shillong on the interventions implemented and proposed mission mode ventures for the restoration and rejuvenation of Wah Umkhrah, Umshyrpi and Umkhen.

Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, wrote, “ Consultation with the various Rangbah Shnong, civil societies and organisations from Shillong on the interventions implemented & proposed mission mode ventures for the restoration and rejuvenation of Wah Umkhrah, Umshyrpi & Umkhen.
@PRupala @gssjodhpur”

Consultation with the various Rangbah Shnong, civil societies and organisations from Shillong on the interventions implemented & proposed mission mode ventures for the restoration and rejuvenation of Wah Umkhrah, Umshyrpi & Umkhen.@PRupala @gssjodhpur pic.twitter.com/Qz5CbVm05Q

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 14, 2023

“The subject of cleaning rivers around Shillong city is long-drawn as highlighted by the stakeholders but as a Government, we are committed to ensure the discussions & suggestions on the subject fructify into action,” tweeted CM Sangma.

The subject of cleaning rivers around Shillong city is long-drawn as highlighted by the stakeholders but as a Government we are committed to ensure the discussions & suggestions on the subject fructify into action. pic.twitter.com/veTPmrLNZc

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 14, 2023

The restoration of rivers encompasses issues of sanitation and cleanliness that need to be dealt with in a localized manner and will require the coordination of government machinery and the close collaboration of local bodies, said CM Sangma.

Thank all the stakeholders for their participation and their feedback. The task ahead is herculean but with teamwork we will be able to take up the task and ensure Shillong city reclaims its cleanliness and beauty.

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 14, 2023

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