SHILLONG, April 11: The drilling work reportedly undertaken at the Shillong College premises here has paved way for a controversy.
According to reports, workers were ‘illegally’ drilling deep tube wells inside the college.
Residents from nearby the college, after hearing sounds of drilling, reported the matter to the Laitumkhrah Dorbar Shnong.
On receiving the complaint, the Rangbah Dong visited the college and found labourers besides drilling trucks inside the college.
After this, the ongoing works were stopped immediately by the Rangbah Dong.
When contacted, Laitumkhrah Dorbar Shnong secretary, M Lyngdoh, informed that the Rangbah Dong had informed him about the drilling of deep tube wells inside the college.
Lyngdoh further said that the Dorbar Shnong was not aware about this since the college authority neither informed nor took permission from them for carrying out the drilling work.
“We have stopped giving permission for drilling deep tube wells since we are concerned about the ground water table. We will not allow such work to be taken up in the locality,” Lyngdoh said.
) He, however, added that they do not have the power to stop such activities if permission has been sought from the Water Resources department and the district administration.
“We are not very sure if the college has the permission of the government to take up the work,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shillong College Principal, E Kharkongor, was found unaware about drilling of deep tube well since the institute was closed from April 9 due to detection of COVID-19 case in the college.
“Majority of the teachers and staff are still under quarantine. We will all have to do the COVID-19 test on Monday as per the protocols of the Health department,” she said, adding that the college would inquire into the matter once it reopens.
The college is likely to reopen on April 16.
Curfew extended in EKH
The night curfew in East Khasi Hills has been extended from April 12 to 18 in view of the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases which is now being termed as the ‘second wave’ of COVID-19. The hours for the curfew remain unchanged, from 12 am to 5 am.
This was informed by the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills in a statement issued here.
All earlier orders will remain in effect.