By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 7: The High Court of Meghalaya has directed the state to file a comprehensive affidavit covering all aspects of water scarcity. The affidavit should also indicate the outlines of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme, including whether any place in addition to Mawphlang is proposed as a site for an additional reservoir.
“Apart from the problem of exorbitant rates charged by water tankers supplying water to various parts of the city, which the state must immediately regulate and rein in, there have to be long-term and short-term plans put in place for the immediate future and how the state reckons the demand for water would be, say, 20 years hence,” the court said while hearing a PIL filed by Thomas Passah.
The state would also do well to rejuvenate water bodies in and around the city, particularly the rivers and streams that may have been choked up or completely contaminated, it said.
According to the court, the District Council (KHADC) should be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that local folks who live by the water bodies act responsibly.
In addition, the court observed that there are central projects with sufficient funds, particularly for the Northeastern states, that may be availed of to augment the water supply.