Mawlai abattoir row
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has constituted a joint inspection committee which has to ensure that the Umshing River is not polluted due to the construction and operation of the abattoir at Mawlai Mawiong.
The committee was constituted as per the directive of the Meghalaya High Court. While hearing the petition filed by Rangbah Shnong of Mawiong Umjapung and Mawiong Rim, the High Court of Meghalaya had on April 8 last directed the State Government to take necessary steps to ensure that the Umshing River was not polluted due to the construction of the abattoir.
The headmen had complained that the construction of the abattoir was leading to accumulation of pollutants in the river.
“We have nominated a member from the Central Pollution Board (in the committee) as specified in the order,” MSPCB chairman M Allya informed here on Sunday.
The MPSCB chairman said that the inspection committee will also conduct an inspection of the river at the earliest.
The Court also observed that if the river is polluted, necessary preventive measures should be taken immediately.
“The State Government should strictly comply with this order keeping in mind the interests of the people residing in and around the area,” the Court stated in the order.
Meanwhile, the two Dorbar Shnong are contemplating to file an appeal before the High Court to include them in the joint inspection committee.
It may be mentioned the Rs 22-crore Mawlai abattoir project sanctioned by the State Government and implemented by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department suffered several setbacks following oppositions from the Joint Executive Committee of Dorbar Shnong Mawiong Umjapung and Mawiong Rim.
