Shillong, April 14: A meeting on Rejuvenation and Restoration of the major rivers of Shillong viz Wahumkhrah, Wah Umshyrpi and Wah Umkhen was held here today at Yojana Bhawan which was attended by Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar, Minister, A L Hek, Chief Secretary, D P Wahlang senior officers, members of Dorbar Shnongs and representatives from different civil bodies.
In his remarks, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma said that the objective of the meeting was identify the critical gaps and devise future action plan and the way forward in the rejuvenation and restoration of the three important rivers of Shillong while soliciting the participation and suggestions of the Dorbar Shnongs and the communities.
The Chief Minister also said that there should be a balance between ecology and economy adding, “The meeting that we are having today is a part of the larger agenda of the State government to have a balance among livelihood, economy and environment so that while the economic needs are being taken care of, the environment is also protected and conserved for future generations,” he said. He also said that the government was committed to rejuvenation and restoration of all water bodies in the State.
He also highlighted some of the programmes of the government for climate change mitigation, sewage and waste management, phasing out single use plastic, mitigating air pollution through use of electric vehicles and afforestation and community participation through awareness and involvement of students and youth through programmes and designing curriculum.
Earlier, Chief Secretary, D P Wahlang in his presentation said that there are NGT and court directives to address the issue of pollution of the rivers. He also informed that Wahumkhrah and Umshyrpi are among the 45 most polluted rivers of the country as listed by NGT. He called upon the active participation of the community and different stakeholders like KHADC, Dorbar Shnongs, civil society organizations in awareness and mobilization.
Members of different organizations and bodies later actively participated in the Interactive Session.