From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, May 25: The uncontrolled dumping of soil into the Umiam river at a construction site near the Umiam bridge has led to severe pollution, turning the river’s once-crystal-clear water into a troubling shade of orange. This environmental degradation has been observed along the river stretch from Umiam to Dwar Ksuid downstream.
The Umiam river, traditionally used by many downstream villages for washing clothes, irrigation, and other purposes, has been significantly impacted by this pollution. The sudden change in the river’s colour and its now mud-laden waters have sparked outrage among local residents who rely on the river for their daily needs.
During a site visit on Saturday, it was evident that the primary source of the pollution is the unregulated dumping of soil on the riverbank near the Umiam bridge. This area is currently undergoing extensive earthworks for the construction of a hotel, which has led to significant amounts of soil entering the river. “The pollution of the Umiam River has not only caused immense inconvenience to the downstream communities who depend on it, but it also poses a serious threat to aquatic life,” said a concerned local villager.
“The soil dumping is not limited to the hotel construction site; similar activities are also occurring in the Mawiong area” he added
The environmental and ecological consequences of this pollution are profound. The sedimentation can suffocate fish and other aquatic organisms, disrupt the natural flow and quality of the water, and ultimately lead to a loss of biodiversity in the river ecosystem.
Local residents and environmental advocates are calling for immediate intervention by authorities to halt the soil dumping and implement measures to restore the health of the Umiam river. They emphasise that without prompt action, the river’s degradation will continue, exacerbating the negative impacts on both human and ecological communities downstream.