SHILLONG: After the pointers given by the Chairman and members of the Assembly Committee on Environment during their recent visit to Garo Hills, the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, Ram Singh, convened a meeting to discuss encroachment of streams in and around Tura town area, and with regard to pollution of streams, especially near Tura Bazaar area, at the DRDA Hall, Tura, on Monday.
During the review meeting, the DC informed that dumping of garbage, both solid and liquid waste, directly into streams is prohibited by National Green Tribunal (NGT) and, for which, awareness programmes for segregation of waste have been organised earlier. However, few have not followed the guidelines, Singh added, stating that he has directed the concerned authority to penalise the violators in future.
He also directed the CEO of Tura Municipal Board to ensure door-to-door garbage collection in all localities of the district and provide dustbins in main market areas of the town as suggested by the Committee. He also requested the people not to throw garbage haphazardly, especially into the streams. He warned of action against violation of this directive.
The DC further instructed the CEO of Tura Municipal Board to collaborate with locality development committee members for cleaning the streams.
Speaking about reported encroachment and illegal construction of houses and commercial establishments along the streams, the DC mentioned that the Committee during their site visit had also noted the encroachment of land of District Maternity and Child Hospital, Tura.
After an inquiry was made about the implementation of Building Bye-laws by the District Urban Planner, Tura, it was revealed that the owners have acquired land pattas for the land, which was issued by the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, and hence, action could not be taken against them.
Urging the District Urban Planner to discuss matters relating to land pattas with the Secretary of GHADC before giving approval for building construction, the DC cautioned the people that in future, encroachment of streams will not be tolerated and structures put up in the streams and roadside drains would be demolished.
Moreover, he also mentioned that slaughtering on the roadside needs to be banned as pointed by the Committee as it also makes the place dirty and unhygienic.
The DC has also instructed the District Disaster Management Officer, Tura, JD Sangma, to verify the legality for those seeking financial assistance against damage due to natural calamities.
