Umiew river faces threat: GNC chief

SHILLONG: Garo National Council (GNC) Chokpot legislator Clifford R Marak expressed concern that Umiew River which is the main source of water for the main dam at Mawphlang which supplies water to the entire Shillong city and its suburbs through the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) is facing a huge threat to its very existence due to unwanted and uncontrolled human activities.
While moving a call attention motion to the The Shillong Times item under the caption “GSWSS feeder river faces threat” in the Assembly on Thursday, Marak said that the river is not only the lifeline of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme but also for many other villages which draw water from the river for their daily requirements.
As per the news report, he said that the gradual destruction of the river to rampant sand mining in the area.
“I would urge the Government to takes steps for protection of the important river. The whole population of Shillong would face a huge and cry if this river which is main source of the GSWSS dries up,” GNC legislator said.
In reply, Deputy Chief Minister in charge PHE Prof RC Laloo said that the department has been keeping a close watch on the damages being caused by the Feeder River of the water supply system as a result of sand and stone quarrying.
“We would also try to find an alternative livelihood for the affected families engaged in stone and sand quarrying in the area. We are also planning to acquire the vulnerable catchment areas of these rivers,” he said.