SHILLONG, Feb 11: With years without a resolute answer to what actually causes the infamous Lukha river in East Jaintia Hills to change its colour, Cabinet Minister James Sangma has now taken the mantle of unearthing this dilemma to himself.
Expressing concern about the phenomenon, Forest and Environment Minister James Sangma informed that he will inspect the river by the end of this month.
“It is a concern and something brought to my notice. I haven’t gone there but I am looking forward to make a sight visit and discuss with the officers on site to see how we can address this issue and rejuvenate the river,” said Sangma on Thursday. “We are looking forward to visiting the site by the end of this month,” he added.
The Lukha river has been turning blue during the winters since 2007. This year, however, the quality of water has gone to the dogs with it growing into a hue of deep blue.
Assembly Committee on Environment had in mid-January inspected the river and asked the Central as well as the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to undertake a more in-depth study into the matter and submit a report to it within two weeks.
Committee member HM Shangpliang had asserted that if dissatisfied with the report, the panel may request state government to engage an independent body from outside Meghalaya for carrying out the research.
Scientists from the MSPCB said that the water is highly acidic with high content of aluminum silicate, perhaps due to mining operations.
The panel also visited Brichyrnot village where the water was yellowish and turmeric in colour.
It may be mentioned that the initiation of the rejuvenation process of Lukha river was also announced and that an expert consultant, Trinity Impex International, will use algae to clean the river.
An urgent meeting of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Trust was held on December 23 last year on rejuvenation of the river.
After the discussion, the DMF Trust committee had decided to earmark Rs 1 crore for the rejuvenation project to be undertaken by Trinity Impex International.
In November 30, 2020, the Water Resources department had invited bids to be submitted in the e-procurement portal for availing equipment and chemicals for “study of water quality of rivers in East Jaintia Hills with specified study on change of colour of Lunar-Lukha River at certain periods of the year”.
The expression of interest (EOI) was also floated on January 8, 2020, by the DMF Trust, East Jaintia Hills, for the pilot project. The EOI was for the treatment of polluted lunar rivers from Ummutha-Lunar confluence to Lunar-Lukha confluence, which is approximately 2.5 km, in Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills.