By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Members of both the Treasury and the Opposition bench on Monday expressed concern over the pollution of the rivers in Jaintia Hills due to unscientific mining.
Pointing to the recent report of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MPSCB), UDP legislator (formerly on KHNAM) Paul Lyngdoh said that it is really disturbing to know that the water sources in and around the mining areas in Jaintia Hills is no longer fit for human consumption.
While urging the Government to take immediate measures for containing the pollution of the water bodies, Lyngdoh also urged upon on the need to contain acid mine drainage to the rivers which in the past had resulted in the death of many fishes.
The Opposition Leader Conrad Sangma (NCP) said that several cases of cancer were reported in a locality in Jowai in Jaintia Hills and environmental pollution might be the reason for this.
He asked the Government to install water treatment plants to contain water contamination in Jaintia Hills.
James Sangma (NCP) also wanted to know the plan of the Government to resurrect the dead rivers in Jaintia Hills.
In his reply, Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong said that awareness programmes would be conducted to educate mine owners, miners and mine-dependent population on the ill effects of unscientific treatment and storage of coal.
“All large, medium and small industries are regulated by the Government under relevant laws and rules,” Tynsong added.
According to the Minister, necessary certificates need to be obtained from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board by any industry before its establishment and actual operation as a measure towards pollution check.
“For drinking sources, regular checks and analysis are being conducted and if contamination is found, the source of drinking water supply is shifted to other sources,” Tynsong added.
He said that the government has also entered into social agreements with traditional institutions like the village Dorbar to protect the water sources as this will ensure their longevity.