Rejuvenate water bodies in every district: HC

SHILLONG, June 27: The High Court of Meghalaya issued an order on Monday directing the rejuvenation of water bodies in every district under a central scheme.
“In terms of a central scheme, 75 water bodies in every district with a minimum pondage area of one acre are to be rejuvenated, including the restoration of ecological and productive utility of such water bodies,” the court said.
The court was hearing a PIL on the cleanliness of Umiam lake. An adjournment was sought on behalf of the Amicus Curiae who is on leave.
“It is hoped that the project is taken up in right earnest and, for a start, all water bodies are kept clean and people living around them made aware of the importance of keeping the water-bodies clean…
“As far as the Umiam lake is concerned, the filth around it and the edges of the water is visible. Future efforts should be made to ensure that revelers are kept in check and appropriate disincentives are put in place to ensure that plastic, trash or other garbage are not willy-nilly thrown into the waters,” the court said.
The state will report on the progress of the scheme in its latest affidavit.