Fund crunch has hit river rejuvenation efforts: James

SHILLONG, June 7: The state government’s effort to upscale its river rejuvenation programme by using the Phycoremediation technology has hit a major roadblock – lack of funds.
Forests and Environment Minister James PK Sangma on Tuesday said the government is upbeat over the success of a pilot project to revive Lukha river by using algae (Phycoremediation technology) and is in the process of rejuvenating two other rivers in East Jaintia Hills – Lunar and Kyrhuhkhla – both of which have been impacted by acid mine drainage but is facing fund crunch.
Talking about the Wahumkhrah river, he said, “In Wahumkhrah the problem is not relating to acid mine drainage. A lot of effluent is flowing into the river which is the result of modernisation. This will require much more intervention than just Phycoremediation technology.”
He however said that once the Wahumkhrah is treated in terms of effluent and sewage then algae can be introduced in the river to improve the pH level.
Sangma also informed that the state government has initiated reclamation of mining-affected land which pose challenges to afforestation programmes since the soil has turned acidic.
“Citronella plants may be introduced in mine-affected areas as it improves the pH balance by reducing the acidity of the soil to pave the way for agriculture or afforestation activities in future,” he added.