Jemino flags env degradation, seeks strict imposition of law

SHILLONG, June 4: Feeling for the ailing environment, UDP general secretary on Sunday flagged the degradation of environment and termed it a cause of alarm, while calling for strict enforcement of environment laws.
On the eve of the World Environment Day, Mawthoh said that Meghalaya seems to be on a downslide in terms of preserving the environment.
“Tomorrow, the whole world is going to observe the World Environment Day. Now looking at the state, it looks like we are on a downslide if you talk about anything,” he said.
“We are destroying the environment. The environment degradation in the state is a cause of alarm. The water bodies are extremely polluted, water sources are drying up and now we have this problem of power failures all the time. Talk about the pollution level also it is on the rise,” Mawthoh observed.
“Now, as far as the protection of the environment, conserving the environment using the resources judiciously, we need to think about sustainable development. We have so many resources but we have not been able to judiciously use them in a proper way for the benefit of the state,” he added.
Talking about the scene in the city, the UDP general secretary said, “Look at what is happening in the city. It can also lead to health problem later on. Whether you talk about pollution level whether solid or liquid waste, deforestation, and malpractices as far as agriculture is concerned, so soil pollution,” he observed.
Stating that what is being done is incorrect, Mawthoh hoped that this World Environment Day would be a wake-up call for the people of the state. “…we need to come together to protect and conserve the environment to use the resources wisely so that we can think about a sustainable future,” he added.
“…in the way that we are destroying the environment, where will it leave the next generation? We need to really think and strictly enforce the environmental laws,” Mawthoh said.
With regard to mining in the state, the UDP leader said that the activity must be done in a manner that does not harm the environment.
“Development comes at a cost but how much is the cost? If the cost is too much, it will affect the future generation also in the state,” he added.