MAWKYRWAT, Sep 6: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) South West Khasi Hills District suspects that the pollution of river Kynshi was due to drilling of uranium in the forest of Porkut area and coal mining in the last few years.
The river witnessed a change in its water colour. Over the past few years, thousands of fish deaths were also reported. The union inspected the river on Monday as part of its regular monitoring.
KSU South West Khasi Hills District president Forwardman Nongrem criticised the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) for not making public the report of inquiry into fish deaths and change in the colour of the river water.
From time to time, the MSPCB collected samples for inquiry. The last time the samples collected was in 2019, but surprisingly, the board has not yet made the report public, Nongrem said.
Attempts are being made by some companies and individuals to build coke factories in Nongjri area under Ranikor civil subdivision but the union said it will not allow this to happen. This will not only pollute the environment and worsen Kynshi river pollution but will also affect the health and welfare of the locals, the union said.
It asked where the factories will get their coal from since there is a ban on coal mining in the state, enforced by the National Green Tribunal.
“This move to set up coke factories clearly shows the intention (of elements) to start illegal coal mining in the area,” Nongrem said.
He warned that if the landowners, individuals or companies do not stop the construction, the union will be forced to conduct a regular inspection in the area.
“They should immediately stop the construction of the coke factories in Nongjri area because this will create lots of problems to the locals, environment and drinking water. If they do not listen and move forward with the construction, the union will not hesitate to take stern action,” Nongrem warned.
