Dead fish found afloat Umtrew river; locals suspect poisoning
NONGPOH, April 22: In a shocking incident that has sparked fears of water contamination and environmental damage, thousands of dead fish were found afloat the Umtrew river in Byrnihat on Saturday. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the river, and locals suspect that it is due to the poisoning of the river by nearby factories. The Umtrew river is a popular spot for fishing among the locals, who have now aired concern about the safety of the river water and aquatic life. The locals have also called for the authorities to investigate the cause of the death of the fish, and have asked the industries responsible to own up to their actions and ensure that the industrial waste does not take a toll on the environment. As of now, no environmental authorities have come to investigate the cause of the death of the fish.
Prayers, cleaning and plantation drives mark Earth Day celebrations
SHILLONG, April 22: Offering of prayers, plantation of saplings and cleaning drive were some of the highlights of the Earth Day celebrations, which was organised by the SPARK. According to a statement here, the SPARK celebrated the day with the underprivileged children, acknowledging the importance of and expressing gratitude to Earth. “Protecting the environment and safeguarding our Mother Earth has always remained an important activity at all the centres of SPARK, sensitising the children on its importance and necessity thereby making the children involved in it every week,” the statement said. The day-long celebration commenced with the children offering prayers to Earth “for providing us life, abundance of food, water, land, clothes, houses, trees, plants, oxygen, air, factories, industries, roads, all means of communications, etc.” On the occasion, the children also pledged to safeguard nature and work towards its restoration from the damages already done. It was after this, the children planted saplings, watered the plants and carried out a cleaning drive at different areas. The celebration was held at Mawlong-Umsawli village, Mawlynrei Trianshong village, Rangmen village and Bara Bazaar Slum.
Police nab drug peddler in SWGH
AMPATI, April 22: Continuing the drive against drugs and its smuggling, South West Garo Hills (SWGH) police yesterday arrested one Chakeawat Hussain from the village of Mir Jumla under Monabari outpost in the district. Interestingly Hussain, who is a resident of Chamabil under Mankachar PS in Assam, had been using his grocery store as a front for distributing drugs to the various corners of all five districts of Garo Hills. As per police reports, the operation against Hussain was conducted based on credible information late Friday night. During the raid conducted by the police, 689 SPSHEN capsules (34.45 grams of Tramadol Hydrochloride salt content) and 113 Nitracel tablets (1.13 grams of Nitrazepam salt content), one smartphone and Rs 5,000 was recovered. “It was found that the accused person was using his grocery shop for storage, selling and distribution of psychotropic substances across Garo Hills. The shop has been sealed and further legal action will be taken. In this connection, a case vide Ampati PS Case No. 19(04)2023 U/s 22(b)/25 NDPS Act has been registered and investigation is on,” informed district police chief, Vikash Kumar.