SHILLONG: The National Green Tribunal, Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata has asked the State Government to prepare a long term action plan for common sewerage network to save rivers in Meghalaya.
The order of NGT was following a petition filed by Jowai resident, Sajay Laloo for the preservation of Myntdu River.
Though the petition was related to poor sewerage system in West Jaintia Hills in the context of pollution of water bodies, the NGT wanted the government to address the issue for the whole state.
During the hearing on January 19, the NGT observed that the Jowai Municipal Board had issued notices to all households within its jurisdiction to set up septic tanks, soak pits and latrines.
“ Although this indicates that efforts are being made by the Jawai Municipal Board, septic tanks and soak pits are now obsolete technique and expensive for the common households. The most suitable method would be to establish common sewerage network led to a common Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP)”, the NGT said, adding that the Jowai Municipal Board and the Urban Development department will consider adopting this method taking into consideration the topography of the region.
The NGT also wanted the concerned authorities to consult experts.
“This would also be applicable to the city of Shillong and other Municipal areas. Ideally the state government should prepare a long term action plan for the purpose to be undertaken in a phased manner”, the NGT said.
A report in this regard will have to be filed on February 27, the next date of hearing.
The petitioner said that the NGT had directed the state government to replicate the system of preservation and curing of Myntdu river with other rivers in the state.
“It had also directed the state to make long term action plan for the preservation and reviving of water bodies in the state in a phased manner”, Laloo said.
