From Our Correspondent
Tura, April 7: Residents of the Dakopgre (Songma) locality in the town of Tura have raised a complaint with West Garo Hills (WGH) Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani after what they asserted was an illegal bore-well construction that was being undertaken in their locality.
Following the complaint, Chelani has ordered an immediate halt to the construction while also seeking an inquiry report from the department of water resource within 7 days of the order. The complaint was submitted this afternoon.
“We bring to your kind notice regarding the ongoing drilling of borewell in our locality near the government quarter complex of the District Industries Centre. This activity will cause a significant damage to our water resources and is posing a threat to the environment and the well-being of our locality,” informed the residents through the complaint.
What is even more interesting is that the borewell, as per the permission given, was meant for domestic purposes and within the Matchakolgre locality. However, in reality, the project is currently being undertaken in Dakopgre Songma instead.
“We have observed the drilling work for the past several days, which is about 80 to 90 meters away from our one and only community water catchment area (Stream chamber) on which more than 100 households are dependent. This will definitely result in a drop of water levels, water scarcity, drying of wells and cause overall damage to the environment,” felt the residents.
The complainants added that the District Level Committee on Ground Water Resources already issued an NOC to one Jia M. Sangma. The NOC for the drilling purpose was also issued by two or three members of the Development Committee without the consent of the residents of Dakopgre locality, the Headman (Nokma) and his Jury members.
“If we allow this borewell to function then it will negatively impact stream chamber by lowering the groundwater levels,” the complainants said.
