EKH DC bans construction activities over Umkhrah river ‘encroachment’

SHILLONG, Jan 29: East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, RM Kurbah, on Wednesday imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), prohibiting construction activities of a retaining wall at Dongkadiang, Nongmensong, citing encroachment into the Umkhrah River.
In the order, Kurbah stated that an inspection revealed the construction had extended into the river body.
“The process of construction of the retaining wall foundation, earth has been dumped towards the river side acting as an embankment for the construction of the retaining wall foundation. The massive amount of soil is dumped acting as an embankment for the construction of the retaining wall and water is seen entering the foundation area,” the DC stated in the order.
Highlighting that the site is in a flood-prone area, Kurbah expressed concerns that the construction had reduced the river’s existing width, violating Section 24 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Given the urgency of the matter, the order was issued ex parte and will remain in effect across East Khasi Hills until further notice.
It may be mentioned that the directive follows an inspection ordered by the deputy commissioner after complaints of alleged encroachment on the Umkhrah River at Dongkadiang, Nongmensong.
The inspection team, led by Silvester Phanbuh, Block Development Officer of Mawpat Community and Rural Development Block, included officials from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority, the PWD (Roads), and members of the Nongmensong Dorbar Shnong Executive Committee.
Additionally, Kurbah has written to the Deputy Secretary of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), requesting a separate inspection into the alleged encroachment.
The issue first came to light when Khamtilang Massar, a landowner adjacent to the construction site, filed a complaint with the DC on January 21.
Meanwhile, Nongmensong Rangbah Shnong P. Warjri assured that the Dorbar Shnong would cooperate with the district administration in finding a resolution.