SHILLONG, Jan 27: After complaints about alleged encroachment of the Umkhrah river at Dong Kadiang, Nongmensong, an inspection was ordered by the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, RM Kurbah.
The complaint, registered with the DC, said that the ongoing construction of a retaining wall near St. Jerome School had encroached upon the riverbank.
The inspection team, which arrived at the site on Saturday, was led by Silvester Phanbuh, Block Development Officer of Mawpat Community and Rural Development Block, included officials from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), Meghalaya Urban Development Authority, PWD (Roads), and members of the Nongmensong Dorbar Shnong Executive Committee. The DC has directed the inspecting officials to submit their report at the earliest.
Additionally, Kurbah has written to the Deputy Secretary of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), urging them to conduct a separate inspection regarding the alleged encroachment.
The issue was initially raised by Khamtilang Massar, a landowner adjacent to the construction site, who filed a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner on January 21.
In her complaint, Massar stated: “I would like to bring to your notice the construction of the retaining wall at Nongmensong, Dong Kadiang, near St. Jerome School, which has encroached upon the riverbanks of the Umkhrah River. The current alignment of the wall clearly shows encroachment on the riverbank.”
She further warned that if landowners on the opposite side were to construct a similar retaining wall in the future, it would leave very little space and could potentially reduce the river to a mere stream. Massar stressed the need for immediate intervention by authorities, as the construction is still in its early stages. She highlighted the risk of man-made disasters, such as flash floods during the monsoon season, if the issue is not addressed promptly.
When contacted, Nongmensong Rangbah Shnong P Warjri confirmed that the district administration has taken up the matter. “We will cooperate and leave it to the wisdom of the district administration to find a solution,” Warjri said.
Meanwhile, KHADC Chief Executive Member Pyniaid Sing Syiem stated that he would seek further details on the matter from his officials.
