SHILLONG: Goons threw mobil-like substance in the water reservoir of Nongkseh on Monday creating fear about potential health risk to its residents as the water was unknowingly released to the residents in the morning.
The headman of Nongkseh, AS Thangkhiew, lodged an FIR at the Jhalupara police outpost stating that the plumber who went to close the tap at 8 am found out that the water was dirty and mixed with unidentified mobil-like substance.
He wrote, “Unknowingly the water was released to the residents in the morning at 6.30 am. The water is always crystal clear coming down from Shillong Peak.”
He urged the police to conduct an investigation into the matter and arrest the culprits at the earliest.
Earlier, speaking to reporters, Thangkhiew said, “The locality of Nongkseh has a water filter reservoir of about 40,000-50,000 litres capacity which has been functioning since 2015. The water reservoir is also fenced.” The headman said the water in the reservoir will be allowed to overflow “since the mobil oil and water will not mix and there will be no water supply till the water is properly cleaned”.
He added that the residents should treat the water properly as it was already released to them in the morning.
Criticising the “sick minds” which planned it for fun, Thangkhiew claimed that 10-20 litres of mobil oil was used to pollute the water. To a query, Thangkhiew said the Dorbar could not afford to employ a guard and the system is currently functioning from the locality fund. “We have now requested the police to install CCTV,” he added.
) Over 330 households were affected. The water is also supplied through 15 public pipes.
When contacted, SP East Khasi Hills Davis Marak said that no arrests has been made so far.
Local MLA and state Cabinet Minister Hamlet Dohling said, “The water looks unfit for consumption.
The water will be cleaned today (Monday) as it is a matter of life and death for the people as mobil increases health risks.”
Condemning the miscreants behind the act, he said, “It is difficult to suspect anyone. Who is this spoiled brat making all this nonsense? We have requested the police to investigate the matter.”
Informing that PHE will conduct necessary tests to check whether the water is safe to drink or not, Dohling instructed PHE officials to conduct tests in all water sources coming to Lummawbah, Lawsohtun, Umlyngka and Shillong areas.
On the other hand, FKJGP Upper Shillong condemned the incident and urged the police department concerned to arrest the culprits.
