NGT bans illegal activities along Myntdu river

JOWAI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Eastern Zone in an interim order imposed a blanket ban on all illegal activities alongside Myntdu river that surrounds Jowai town in West Jaintia Hills.
The order bans extraction of sand, collection of boulders, washing of vehicles, construction of residential buildings and also disposal of wastes into the river.
The NGT has taken such drastic step after hearing a petition filed by Sajay Laloo, a resident of Panaliar, Jowai on Monday.
The NGT has also ordered the Jowai Municipal Board and the District Administration to keep a close watch so that no violation of the interim order takes place.
The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board was also instructed to collect samples of water quality from various parts of the river.
Myntdu river, the source of water supply to Jowai town has been polluted due to illegal activities.
Some of the localities in Jowai do not have septic tanks, leading to direct disposal of human waste into the river through various channels particularly drains and streams.