From Our Correspondent
TURA, April 25: The Centre for Environment Protection and Rural Development (CEPARD), based in the plain belt of West Garo Hills, on Thursday raised alarm over reports of the impending heatwave in the plains of Garo Hills where temperature is expected to soar to a staggering 46-degree Celsius, which could lead to drying up of natural water bodies, springs and underground water sources in the region.
“The rapid and unprecedented changes in the environment have had severe consequences on the health of the local population. Residents have reported experiencing skin rashes, coughing, high fever, indigestion, fatigue and other health issues as a direct result of the extreme weather conditions. The situation has become dire, and urgent action is needed to address these escalating health concerns,” its president Samgar R Sangma cautioned in a statement.
According to Sangma, various human activities like mushrooming of illegal stone quarries leading to destruction of natural habitats, rampant deforestation for plantation of crops, and illegal timber felling and logging are some of the main reasons for the environmental crisis.
Sangma added that to make matters worse, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme is non-functional at Shyamnagar, raising serious concerns about the supply of potable drinking water to the local community. The lack of access to clean and safe drinking water poses a significant threat to public health and well-being, and immediate action must be taken to rectify this critical issue, he added.
“We urge local authorities, environmental agencies, and concerned citizens to come together to address the impending heatwave, environmental degradation, and water scarcity crisis in West Garo Hills. Collaborative efforts are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and preserve the delicate balance of nature in the region,” Sangma said.