New Delhi: The Central government on Tuesday said mining activities have contaminated drinking water sources in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.
“The Megh-alaya government has reported that sources of some drinking water supply schemes have had to be shifted due to contamination caused by mining and some major rivers in the area have been found to be unfit for human use,” Rural Development Minister and Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Jairam Ramesh said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
He said Jaintia Hills in particular was facing an acute drinking water crisis.
Ramesh said the state government has reported taking up several steps to curb mining in the area and its effect on water pollution.
“In order to address the issue of mining in Jaintia Hills and its effect on water pollution, the state has framed a State Mineral Policy. The government has also entered into special arrangements with Village Dorbars to protect the source in order to ensure longevity of drinking water sources,” he added.
The Minister said awareness programmes have been conducted to educate mine owners/miners and mine dependent families on ill effects of unscientific mining and storage of coal. (UNI)
