By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 13: The Executive Committee of the KHADC will table the Khasi Jaintia Autonomous District Fishery Act (Amendment Bill) 2023 in the upcoming Winter Session of the Council in a bid to empower the traditional entities to protect water bodies and catchment areas, especially aquatic life.
Speaking to reporters after the EC meeting here on Wednesday, KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem said there is a need to take steps to protect depleting water bodies and the catchment areas.
“We would not like to see that the various water bodies falling under the jurisdiction of the Council meeting the same fate as that of Umkhrah, Umshyrpi or Urkaliar rivers. The Council needs to act to protect these rivers before it is too late,” he added.
Meanwhile, he said that they are also concerned about the threat to aquatic life, especially fishes in view of the pollution due to various human activities.
According to him, the Council can act seriously insofar as preservation of water bodies is concerned, if the Bill receives the Governor’s assent after being passed in the upcoming session.