Critical Umsohlang-Umshing stream sees a silver lining

SHILLONG, Sep 29: The Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) of Mawlai Kynton Massar has taken a proactive role in rejuvenating the Umsohlang-Umshing stream in Mawlai.
Since 2019, the BMC has been working to protect this critical stream, which provides potable water to over 15 localities in Mawlai under the Umsohlang Water Supply Scheme. Under the leadership of Kynton Massar Rangbah Shnong, Marco Mitri, the committee has been making efforts to revive the stream, which had nearly become a dead stream by 2015.
As part of the initiative, the BMC organised a cleaning drive on Saturday with active participation from the NSS Cell of NEHU and the PHE department.
It may be recalled that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who participated in the cleaning drive in 2022, suggested the need for a comprehensive plan to rejuvenate the Umsohlang-Umshing stream.
Speaking to reporters, Mitri said that the most critical step in saving the stream is to create a diversion to separate dirty and polluted water — such as that from areas where people wash clothes, cars, and cut meat — from the stream.  The Mawlai Kynton Massar Rangbah Shnong mentioned that a project funded by the Centre through the PHE department is under way to clean the stream on a large scale. “We expect the project to clean the stream, all the way to its source, to begin by December,” Mitri said.
He added that there is also a proposal for a central drainage system, which will divert all dirty water from households away from the stream. “This will greatly help prevent pollution from flowing into the stream,” Mitri explained.
According to him, the diversion of wastewater from households has already started in a few localities.
Meanwhile, Mitri announced that the landowner, Badaplin Giri Massar, has decided to construct a futsal ground in the area where a major drainage system is located.
“This will be a significant development since no more houses will be built in this area, preventing additional pollution that could harm the stream,” he said. “We are grateful for the landowner’s gesture,” Mitri added.
The Kynton Massar Rangbah Shnong also mentioned that the Mawlai Town Dorbar is actively involved in raising awareness among residents in various Mawlai localities about the importance of protecting the stream.