Nongstoin water supply scheme to be ready by 2017-end

SHILLONG: The State government has set a target to complete the much-awaited Nongstoin Urban Water Supply Scheme (NUWSS) by the end of 2017. Informing this here on Wednesday, PHE Minister Prestone Tynsong said the project work making smooth progress. The project will benefit a population of not less than 30,000 people, Tynsong said. According to the minister, the project will take care of the needs of Nongstoin area besides several adjoining villages. The scheme worth Rs 133.94 crore is likely to end the water woes of residents of Nongstoin and around 28 other villages. It may be mentioned that M/s. Tantia Constructions Ltd, Kolkata, is the implementing firm for the project. Meanwhile, replying to a query about the need to protect the source and catchment area of the water supply projects including the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme, the minister said the government has made it mandatory for people to obtain environmental clearance from the State Pollution Control Board and other agencies before undertaking any mining or quarrying activities. To another query on the government’s plan to acquire land in the catchment areas for their protection, Tynsong pointed out the proposal is pending with the Planning Department. He also termed the existing Catchment Area Act as “loose” and added that the department has proposed some amendments. In an attempt to safeguard the depleting catchment areas, the State government is planning to acquire over 1000 hectares of privately-owned land to ensure that the catchment areas are kept protected from unwarranted human activities.