Editor
In a paragraph of her recent article, “World Environment Day amidst Covid-19: Time For Nature,”(ST June 4, 2020) Patricia Mukhim drew attention to the forest belt stretching from Lawjynriew, through Lumpynngad, Risa Colony, Cleve Colony, Malki, Lumparing etc., up to Laitkor. In the same paragraph she stated that it is learnt that some MLAs have been pressurizing the Forest Department to grant them permission for commercial projects which therefore could be within the forest belt mentioned and which is under government protection
What is stated in the article is startling since such commercial projects are the last thing expected to be brought in within a well established protected forest very close to Shillong The city will always need much of greenery within and around it for a soothing effect in congested surroundings with possible rise of temperature and air pollution looming ahead. It would be imprudent therefore to remove even a small patch of trees from this forest for such projects. It is also upsetting if some of our very own elected representatives have such designs in mind which if carried through could have unfavourable consequences on their very own people both of the present and the future generation .
Apart from the aesthetics and ameliorative value this protected forest provides to Shillong city, its vital contribution however is that of protecting the sources of water within the forest which is feeding fresh water to the localities below it for decades now. These sources could provide water for perpetuity if there is proper upkeep and maintenance of the forest belt and if it is ensured that it remains under protection. On the other hand any commercial projects within the forest belt will involve clearing some vegetation and excavations for constructions. Such activities even if carried out at a distance from the water sources will adversely affect downwards and outwards movement of capillary water within the sub-surface resulting in reduced water movement to these sources thereby reducing their quantity of water.
It would, of course, not be expected that the stringent Indian Environmental Acts and the Forest Acts as framed would be modified or made flexible to contravene the basic principles of such Acts such that construction projects are allowed within a protected forest . However, there have been instances where large projects are pushed into protected areas in other parts of the country by tweaking certain portions of the Acts. Controversies that arise out of such decisions usually end up with justifications that these are in the interests of the public at large though at times, the justifications seem to lack credibility.
Justifications would come in if there is a push for these commercial projects within the Shillong forest belt mentioned. Whatever be the justifications it is inconceivable, however, that the benefits from these projects can ever override the greater and vital benefits which the population below the forest belt derives presently and perhaps for generations to come if this forest belt is constantly protected. Therefore Patricia Mukhim rightly stated in her mentioned article that people should remain vigilant about avaricious ambitions since these could be at the cost of the public at large. The Dorbar Shnongs of the localities below this forest belt should perhaps be more vigilant and may even jointly take pre-emptive steps to prevent such ambitious plans, if any, from taking shape.
Yours etc.,
KL Tariang
Via email