Villagers against leasing out Lukha river to individuals

JOWAI: Residents of six villages in East Jaintia Hills have raised their voice against the district council’s decision to lease out the Lukha river to individuals.
The villagers, under the banner of the 6-Shnong Wah Lukha Protection Association, have met JHADC chief executive member MB Rymbai and submitted a memorandum in protest against the move.
The JHADC, which is the managing and controlling authority of rivers in Jaintia Hills, is leasing out several rivers to individuals for catching fish annually. It has called for a tender from individuals with a minimum bid amount of Rs 1.5 lakh.
According to the secretary of the association, Daiapherbha Lamare, the members requested Rymbai not to lease out the Lukha and prayed for handing over the control of the river to the association, which comprises headmen of Lumshnong, Sonapyrdi, Chymplong and Sakhri villages, among others.