From Our Correspondent
TURA: In view of the severe water crisis in Tura and surrounding areas, West Garo Hills District Administration held a meeting with the lines departments, civil societies, Church leaders and locality development committees on Friday afternoon to discuss an urgent action plan to tide over the current water crisis.
The emergency meeting was necessitated amidst reports of fights erupting out of frustration over water scarcity, wanton wastage of water and illegal tampering of pipes by unauthorized plumbers.
Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi, who chaired the meeting, invited the members to raise their views to make it an action oriented meeting and think of long-term measures to counter the problem of water shortage.
He also informed the members of the schemes being taken up under BRGF, like construction of spring tap chamber in various localities of Tura, roof-top rain water harvesting structures in schools, construct of reservoirs, etc for minimizing the problems relating to water scarcity. He also called for a prohibitory order against the guilty and imposition of fines on water wastage, unhygienic waste disposal and pollution of streams.
Participating in the meeting, MLA of South Tura, John Leslee K. Sangma said that every citizen should be very concerned about the issue of water scarcity.
The meeting decided to immediately work on action plan to ensure regular supply of clean drinking water and minimize the problems relating to water and also formed “Water Watch Committee” to check, inspect and regulate water consumption.
It was also decided that one week’s time would be given for creating awareness and educating the people in the respective localities before imposing Section 144 CrPC against wanton wastage of water and pollution of streams.
Among other issues, the meeting discussed about the unsystematic and haphazard laying of pipelines in and around the town, while some members expressed their views that the GHADC has completely failed in the management and distribution of water and felt that the responsibility be given entirely to the PHE department.
The Nokmas’ Council was also requested to reach out to the people to restrict their jhumming activities in and around the catchment areas.