KHADC to amend laws to protect forests, rivers

SHILLONG: In an attempt to prohibit the disposal of poisonous substances by industries and hospitals in rivers, the executive committee of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has decided to amend United Khasi Jaintia Hills District Fishery Act (2nd Amendment Bill), 2016 in the coming session scheduled to start from June 20.
Speaking to reporters after the executive committee meeting on Wednesday, the KHADC chief PN Syiem said, “This act will strictly prohibit the disposal of poisonous substances by industries and hospitals in rivers.”
“Violation of this Act will attract a penalty of Rs 50,000 as fine and the people will have to clean up the effluents disposed in the river,” he said.
Taking cognizance of the loss of fishes in certain rivers in the state and complaints from people, a proviso that declares some of the river as protected rivers will be introduced by the Council.
On the other hand, efforts are being made to abate the climatic changes and the environmental problems with the amendment of the United Khasi Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Management and control of Forest) 6th Amendment Rules, 2016.
“Under the Bill, the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima are entrusted with the responsibility to discourage rampant felling of trees in catchment areas, 1 kilometer radius from the river sources and 20 meters from the stretches of the river bank,” he said.
Syiem said KHADC expects hospitals and houses along the river to comply once the bill becomes a law. He said it will be the responsibility of everybody to have treatment plant in place before releasing liquid waste.