By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 30: The NHIDCL has asserted that it is taking precautions to protect the Umngot River while executing the work on the Shillong-Dawki Road project.
The assertion followed Shillong MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon’s petition to the Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and the Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, complaining about the severe environmental degradation and pollution of the once-pristine Umngot due to road construction activities.
Sources from the NHIDCL stated that there are 100-metre-high hills on both sides of the river, and the villages concerned were demanding high prices for the project handlers to gain access to the riverbed.
“One village was identified for the access, but no land was given,” one of the sources said, adding that when a 100-metre-high hill next to the river is being cut, preventing the debris from falling into the river is next to impossible.
However, they said they are doing bench-cutting of the hill, a method of creating level platforms on a slope to prevent erosion, improve stability, and facilitate activities like agriculture or road construction.
“In addition, some precaution barriers are also being made, and the debris is being cleared from time to time,” the sources said.
After the MP complained to the two ministries, the NHIDCL sought a report from the contractor concerned on the precautions being taken.
It was also learned that the geo-technical survey has been completed for the new Dawki bridge, which will be 100 meters high. Sources said that the design has been completed, and IIT Bombay has done the vetting.
“Once everything is approved, we will immediately start the construction while taking every possible measure to protect the river,” they said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Thursday assured a delegation of Tourism Societies from the Darrang Elaka Dalloiship that the government would examine their concerns over the pollution and discolouration of the Umngot River, allegedly caused by the ongoing construction of the Shillong-Dawki Road.
The delegation, led by Pyrwa Lymba, the Dalloi of Elaka Darrang, included representatives from the Darrang Tourism Promotion and Development Society, the Shnongpdeng Tourism Development Society, and the Dawki Tourism Development Society.
During the meeting, the group submitted a memorandum urging the state government to constitute a fact-finding committee to probe the causes of the river’s pollution and take immediate remedial measures.
In their submission, the societies expressed deep concern that the Umngot River, once celebrated globally for its crystal-clear waters, has become polluted. They warned that this deterioration not only tarnishes the river’s natural beauty but also threatens Dawki’s reputation as one of Meghalaya’s premier tourist destinations.
“We wish to make it clear that we are not opposed to development and progress,” the memorandum stated. “However, reckless environmental damage caused by certain activities has severely impacted the livelihoods of hundreds of residents who depend entirely on tourism for their sustenance.”
The groups highlighted that boating, camping, vending, and homestay operators have all been adversely affected, particularly during the peak tourism season. Many entrepreneurs, they said, are now struggling to repay loans after witnessing a steep decline in tourist arrivals.
While acknowledging that some sources of pollution are already known, the delegation expressed faith in the government’s commitment to conduct a thorough investigation and take urgent corrective measures. They appealed to the Deputy Chief Minister for swift intervention to restore the river’s pristine condition and prevent further degradation.
The memorandum raised an additional concern regarding the daily road closure along the Laitlyngkot section of the Shillong-Dawki road. The group requested that the current closure hours (11 am to 4 pm) be revised to 12 noon to 4 pm, citing difficulties faced by tourists who typically travel later in the morning during the cold season.
Former Amlarem MLA Stephanson Mukhim accompanied the delegation.
