By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: There is a major question about the quality of the water being pumped through the source at Umsohlang stream in Mawlai Mawdatbaki. The water through this source is supplied to various localities in Mawlai after being treated at a treatment plant at Umsohlang.
During the inspection on Wednesday, a group of journalists along with the members of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) found that the source is filthy, thanks to the various unhealthy activities going on in the surrounding areas near Umsohlang stream.
The reporters found that people living in Mawlai Mawdatbaki release their septic tanks directly into the drains which flow to the Umsohlang river. What is appalling is that butchers wash the slaughtered meat and innards of the animals nearby and the waste water flows directly to the stream. But that’s not all. Close by is a person who operates a vehicle servicing centre and the waste water from this unit also flows directly into the water source.
It is learnt that officials of the PHE department, the local MLA and members of the Mawlai Town Dorbar had on several occasions visited this stream but no initiative has been taken so far to clean the water source.
This lack of initiative on the part of the authorities has posed a major health concern for the people of Mawlai. Residents who are not aware about the condition of the Umsohlang stream are using the water which is not fit for human consumption.
HNYF Mawlai circle president Tyngshain Kharnaior has questioned as to who would be responsible if there is an epidemic in Mawlai for using the water which is not potable.
“We strongly condemn the members of the Mawlai Town Dorbar for not doing anything to clean the Umsohlang stream,” Kharnaior said.
Earlier in 2008, it was found that the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) was releasing its septic tank waste directly into the Umsohlang stream.
It was only after people raised a hue and cry that the NEHU authorities had to admit that they were releasing the waste into the stream.
NEHU also immediately adopted corrective measures to divert the septic tank waste elsewhere.
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