SHILLONG, Sep 24: PHE Minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, on Friday, said that he will call on Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, to seek funds for the plantation exercise to protect catchment areas which are in a depleted condition.
Talking to reporters, Tongkhar said that plantation will be the best possible option to protect and rejuvenate catchment areas. “It will be good if we can earmark some funds for plantation of trees in the catchment areas,” the minister said.
He also stressed that the citizens also need to play an active role in preserving catchment areas by preventing the cutting of trees.
Informing that there are funds earmarked under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for protection of water sources and catchment areas, Tongkhar suggested that catchment areas should be identified so as to prevent activities such as cutting down of trees.
He also advocated on the need for the PHE and Water Resources department to make a joint efforts for the protection of the catchment areas. “We already have water policy in place. There are laid down guidelines on the protection of water bodies,” he said.