NONGPOH: The village leaders of Umiam have opposed the dumping of soil near Umiam River and sought state government including Forest department’s intervention in the matter.
Slamming the person involved, Twinkle Buhphang, Headman of Umiam, told pressmen here that the activity poses threat to aquatic life in Umiam River as well as affect people residing along the areas of Umiam-Bhoirymbong, who depend on the river for drinking water and different household purposes.
This has been going on for months now, Buhphang added.
The area where the soil is dumped is located on the right side of the Guwahati-Shillong Road at Mawiong Rim.
The soil was extracted from Umsaw Mynjynrong by one Philous Iawphniaw from East Khasi Hills, Buhphang, who also visited the location on Wednesday, said.
The headman informed that the village authority had recently issued a notice warning those involved not to engage in dumping soil and waste at the location.
Maintaining that the village will file a complaint in this regard soon, Buhphang urged the government to take serious note of the matter and ensure that this activity is stopped at the earliest.
He further informed that the village headmen, who are affected, will meet during the first week of August to discuss matters relating to preserving the Umiam River.
