Plan panel reviews Wahumkhrah, Umiew status

SHILLONG: Meghalaya State Planning Board (MSPB) reviewed the status of rivers Umkhrah and Umiew. The marathon meeting held on Friday was presided by MSPB chairman Lambor Malngiang.
A presentation was given by Prof B.K. Tiwari and Prof. H. Syiemlieh of Environmental Sciences and Geography department of NEHU, besides research scholars including officials of Meghalaya Basin Development Authority and Water Resource Department.
They highlighted the alarming situation in catchments of both rivers which requires immediate curative measures. The climate change issues including adaptability approach were also deliberated. Expert Member in-charge environment, water and natural resources of MSPB Naba Bhattacharjee, who is also a petitioner in NGT/Supreme Court for rejuvenation of Wahumkhrah, Umshyrpi and Umiam also provided inputs from his over decade-long study on the issues.
Expert members Carl Rangad in-charge horticulture, W Rynjah in-charge power and K Chauhan in-charge economics also attended the meeting.
Malngiang stressed on the need for a coordinated approach among different departments including possibility of a single agency to monitor and develop an approach paper which must include urban infrastructure like solid and waste water plants for the city on priority within fixed timeline by convening a meeting of all concerned departments shortly.