HC takes cognizance of pathetic condition of water bodies in State
By Our Reporter
Shillong: Reacting strongly to the pathetic state of the water bodies in Meghalaya, the Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court has directed the State Government to provide details of the steps taken by it to monitor, control and manage air, water and waste pollution in the State, within three weeks.
The court issued the direction on Thursday in the wake of CAG reports highlighted in the media which state that the water of 28 out of the 31 water bodies in six districts of Meghalaya are unfit for drinking.
“It is seen that the CAG has come down heavily on the inability of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) for not being able to conduct regular monitoring of water bodies in the State resulting in 28 out of 31 water bodies in the State being deemed unfit for consumption,” the order stated.
The court also expressed grave concern over the poor compliance of rules by the Shillong Municipal Board and healthcare establishments coupled with the ineffective monitoring by the MSPCB which has resulted in continued environmental pollution and health hazards leading to increase in the number of patients suffering from air- and water- borne diseases.
It may be mentioned that about 139 out of the 178 health institutions in Meghalaya have also been found guilty of functioning without proper authorization from the MSPCB.
“This matter has captured the attention of the Court which has viewed it with great concern,” the court directive added.
Advocate SP Mahanta was appointed as amicus curiae (friend/adviser of the court) while senior government advocate ND Chullai accepted the court notice on behalf of the State.
It was learnt that this matter will again come up for hearing in April.
