By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 1: The Khooid Ya Ka Wah Myntdu (KYM), an organisation dedicated to protecting the Myntdu River, has urged West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Kumar Singh to take immediate action against the heavy siltation affecting the Myntdu River, particularly at the Mupiah reservoir dam.
In a letter addressed to the DC on Friday, KYM president Khroo L. Shullai reported that the organisation had observed severe siltation on October 23, 24 and 30, even after light rainfall.
The issue, he said, was first flagged by concerned citizens and later confirmed during the group’s site inspection.
According to Shullai, the siltation has disrupted the functioning of the office of the SDO, PHE (E) Jowai Sub-Division, which relies on the reservoir to supply drinking water to thousands of households in Jowai town.
He attributed the worsening condition to debris and runoff from unregulated construction, as well as rampant sand and mud mining along the Myntdu River and its adjoining areas. These activities, he added, have led to severe water contamination, destruction of natural habitats and a rise in turbidity levels, posing a threat to both human and animal life.
“This has increased the turbidity of the water, which is detrimental to the health of consumers, especially those from marginalised communities who rely solely on the public water supply from the PHE department and cannot afford private sources,” Shullai said. “If not addressed, Jowai town may face an acute water shortage during the coming dry season,” he added.
The KYM president further reminded the DC that such activities are in violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and contrary to several directives previously issued by the district administration.
In addition, the organisation sought a written clarification from the DC regarding the utilisation of ₹5 lakh donated by one Friday Hinge on January 8, 2024. The amount was deposited into the West Jaintia Hills District Environment Protection & Restoration Fund at ICICI Bank, New Hill, Jowai, and was meant for the protection and restoration of the Myntdu River.
Shullai urged the district authorities to ensure transparency and take swift action to safeguard one of Jaintia Hills’ most vital water sources.
