Steps taken to address water scarcity: Laloo

SHILLONG: Deputy Chief Minister in charge PHE, R.C. Laloo, on Wednesday said steps have been initiated to address the scarcity of water in city.
To a question by Embhahlang Syiemlieh (UDP) in the Assembly, Laloo admitted that the department was aware of the scarcity of drinking water in State.
Answering supplementary questions, Laloo said that as many as 178 water supply schemes have been proposed in nine districts of the State under the rural water supply programme.
The funding pattern in this regard will be 90:10 for covering a total of 458 habitations in 9 districts and 33 blocks.
Laloo said that the PHE department had submitted a proposal for phase-IV under Great Shillong Water Supply Scheme to the Union Ministry of Urban Development in addition to augment the phase-I &II of GSWSS for the current 4 urban centres and phase-III for 3 urban centres.
The deputy chief minister also said that the water supply scheme in West Khasi Hills  is making progress, while the department had also proposed new water supply scheme for Ri Bhoi.
Tube wells
To a supplementary question on drilling of tube wells, Laloo said people should take Dorbar into confidence before going ahead with drilling to set up tube wells in various localities in city.
UDP legislator Jemino Mawthoh brought to the notice of the House that an individual filed an FIR against him following his intervention to settle a dispute over carrying out drilling to have a tube well.
According to Mawthoh, there is a need to consult local Dorbar before any drilling activity.
HSPDP legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit wanted Dorbar to insist on NOC before any individual carries out drilling.