By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Syiem of Hima Mylliem recently handed over the control of the Wahumkhrah river to the KHADC.
Confirming this, KHADC Chief Executive Member Pynshngain N Syiem told The Shillong Times on Sunday that they had received a letter from the office of the Syiem of Mylliem asking the Council to take over control of the Wahumkhrah river.
“This negotiation had been going on for quite some time. We are happy this has finally materialised,” Syiem added.
Despite being committed to protect the river, he said that the Council could not take any concrete steps towards this end since they did not have any control over the Wahumkhrah.
“But with this fresh development, the Council can now take initiatives towards protection of the river,” Syiem said.
The KHADC CEM, criticized people residing near the river, who he blamed for the deteriorating condition of the river. “Every time you pass by the river it is really painful to see its present condition,” he said.
He pointed out that dumping of garbage in the river was the main reason for the present condition of the river.
He, however, informed that the Council is contemplating schemes for the protection of the Wahumkhrah.
“We are planning to allot these schemes for protection of the river to the various localities located close to the Wahumkhrah,” Syiem said.
It may be recalled that the KHADC had, earlier, proposed to conduct a massive cleaning drive along the Wahumkhrah besides planting of tress along the stretch of the river.
When asked about this proposed initiative of the Council, he said the idea had to be shelved following a request from the State Government.
“The State Water and Resources department is currently preparing a master plan to protect the Wahumkhrah,” he said, while adding that the KHADC would be more than happy to be a part of the noble initiative.
Over 1,000 people reside near the river dumping their daily waste directly into the river. Besides, around 700 sceptic tanks are directly connected to the river. Also, Polo area, which is a bustling commercial spot, has numerous shops, garbages from which are directly emptied into the river almost on a daily basis.