SHILLONG, March 10: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) is planning to allocate Rs 1 crore through its health and sanitation programme in the 2022-23 financial year for rejuvenation of the Umkhrah and Umiam rivers.
Talking to reporters on Thursday, KHADC CEM, Titosstarwell Chyne said the council is planning to allocate the funds based on the proposals made by the committee recently constituted by the state government for rejuvenation of the two rivers.
The committee comprises representatives from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and KHADC.
He said that the council is looking to restrict construction activity near the river banks and water bodies once they are empowered to implement the Meghalaya Building Bye-Laws, 2021. “We will request the Dorbar Shnong not to give permission for any construction to be taken up near the river banks. We would also write to the Dorbar, Elaka and Hima to assist the KHADC in protecting the water bodies and rivers,” Chyne said.
On the pollution of the Umkhen river, he said the council has issued direction to its officers to take measures to prevent people from dumping garbage into river. ”I think this issue will also be raised in the ongoing budget session of the Assembly,” he said.