By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 26: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has slapped a penalty of Rs 31.25 lakh on the Chief Engineer (NH), Public Works Department (PWD) for environmental violations linked to the Jowai Bypass Road project in West Jaintia Hills, even as the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, is set to hear the matter on Monday.
The penalty was imposed following findings of violations during inspections conducted by a Joint Committee constituted under the directions of the tribunal. The committee, headed by MSPCB Member Secretary George Hagi Chyrmang, submitted its “action taken” report to the tribunal on April 24 in compliance with earlier orders dated February 4 and March 11, 2026.
According to an affidavit filed before the tribunal, MSPCB Chairman R. Nainamalai, in a communication dated March 23 to the PWD Chief Engineer (NH), highlighted that an inspection carried out on February 23, 2026, found that the construction of the Jowai Bypass with paved shoulder connecting NH-40E and NH-44 had resulted in violations of environmental norms.
The affidavit stated that such violations were in contravention of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, as well as directions issued by the NGT and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Invoking powers under Section 33A of the Water Act and Section 31A of the Air Act, read with the CPCB’s methodology for assessment of environmental compensation, the MSPCB imposed an environmental compensation of Rs 31.25 lakh on the Chief Engineer (NH), PWD (Roads). The amount is to be remitted within 30 days through a demand draft or banker’s cheque in favour of the Member Secretary, MSPCB.
The matter originates from a petition filed by environmentalist Khroo L. Pariat of Jowai, who alleged ecological damage caused by road construction activities.
According to the complainant, the Myntdu river, which originates from Mihmyntdu village near Jowai, is a major river in the Jaintia region. It flows around Jowai town before entering Bangladesh and serves as a crucial water source for residents, supports irrigation, and holds economic, cultural and religious importance.
The petition alleged that construction along the hills adjoining the river led to indiscriminate dumping of muck and debris into the Myntdu and surrounding agricultural fields, damaging river ecology and affecting aquatic life, flora and fauna.
The Jowai Bypass Road project, spanning 5.9 km and linking NH-40E with NH-44, has faced delays and contractor changes since its inception. Initially awarded to M/s Kampung Kamyer Company in March 2022, the project was later reassigned to M/s Dhar Construction Company in January 2023 with a completion timeline of 18 months.
While the original deadline was July 2024, officials from PWD (Roads) informed that the work is now completed but the road is yet to be opened since the bridge over Liar Pam Kam was recently completed.
In its report, the MSPCB noted that the issue has persisted for over a year with limited visible action on the ground. The tribunal has directed the board to continue action against violations and submit further compliance reports.
The NGT has also instructed the PWD to undertake remediation of the affected site within two months, including clearing debris, stabilising slopes using scientific methods, and carrying out plantation to prevent erosion and runoff, particularly during the monsoon.
Further, all excavated materials are to be transported and disposed of strictly at the designated dumping site at Demthring, in accordance with the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, under the supervision of the MSPCB.
The Joint Committee, comprising multiple agencies including the CPCB, conducted inspections on February 23 and April 21, 2026, and submitted a detailed assessment of the environmental impact and remedial measures.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Pariat on Sunday said that penalties imposed in such cases are enforceable and aimed at ensuring accountability. “Such penalties are meant to check corruption among officials, and those responsible may be required to pay from their own pockets,” he said.
