‘Rules not enforced to curb Wahumkhrah pollution’

SHILLONG: Once a river that Shillongites took pride in, the ‘polluted’ Wahumkhrah continues to bear the brunt of human onslaught, despite umpteen campaigns and awareness programmes for its protection over the years.
Speaking to reporters here recently, KHADC chief executive member, P.N Syiem put the onus on the state government, saying it has failed to implement rules and regulations for curbing pollution in the river.
“The problem is that we are very weak in law making and implementing it. If the government had a strong law, no one would have thrown garbage in the river because they know they would be in jail for five to six days,” Syiem said.
Sources say a huge scheme is required from the ministry of water resources for protecting Wahumkhrah from pollution.
Syiem however expressed happiness over the fact that fences have been erected to discourage people from throwing garbage into the river.
Asked if the council had done precious little to protect the river, he said, “How much can you expect a small institution such as KHADC, be it financial aid or manpower.”
He however said that the council has from time to time highlighted the need to protect the river. “We are also providing small schemes to different localities which will play a role in saving the river from garbage,” Syiem said.
The KHADC, it may be noted, had launched the ‘Clean Wahumkhrah Mission’ in 2013.