Reports of death of fishes in Kynshi, Rilang rivers
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Taking note of reports of death of a large number of fishes at both Kynshi and Rilang rivers, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control (MSPCB) has decided to send a team of its scientist to conduct tests on the quality of water of the two rivers.
“We would be sending a team of our scientists as soon as possible to conduct tests on the quality of water following the reported death of a large number of fishes on the two rivers,” a senior MSPCB official informed on Sunday.
He however mentioned that the team would leave for the investigation only after the offices re-open on Tuesday, with Monday being a State holiday.
He further added that they cannot send a team without properly organising it. “Besides equipping them with necessary testing kits, we would also have to arrange a place for the scientists to stay. The process of conducting water quality test is also an exhaustive exercise,” the official said.
He also mentioned that if the fishes have died due to the exploration of uranium ore in the area, as is being widely believed, the team would face difficulties in confirming the same since MSPCB does not have the required facilities to conduct radiation tests.
“We only have facilities to conduct tests on water and air pollution. An independent body from outside the State would be needed to ascertain whether there is any radiation in the water in the two rivers,” the official said. When asked if the Board had previously conducted any tests on the quality of water in the two rivers, the official replied in the negative.
“The Board normally conducts tests after receiving complaints. The Board had earlier conducted a test on the quality of water in Lukha river in Jaintia Hills after receiving a complaint,” the official added.
Earlier on Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong had ordered a probe by officials of the Mining and geology department to verify reports of the death of fishes at Ranikor, after reports of the same surfaced in a section of the press.