By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 6: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has imposed a compensation of Rs 15 lakh on the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for violations detected during the implementation of the ongoing Shillong–Dawki Road project.
According to an official notice issued by MSPCB Chairman R. Nainamalai, the compensation was levied on the General Manager (Projects), NHIDCL, with penalty of ₹3.75 lakh imposed for each of the four identified locations where environmental lapses were observed.
The violations were detected during an inspection conducted by MSPCB officials on November 3. The Board, exercising its powers under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, cited breaches of multiple environmental laws, including the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The MSPCB directed the NHIDCL to remit the compensation amount within 15 days of receiving the notice, through a Demand Draft or Banker’s Cheque payable to the “Member Secretary, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Shillong.”
Nainamalai has warned that failure to comply with its directive within the stipulated period will invite further proceedings, including prosecution or other legal actions under the relevant environmental laws.
NHIDCL seeks report on Umngot pollution
Following reports on pollution of the Umngot River, the NHIDCL has asked its Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) to submit a report on the cause of the pollution and the immediate preventive measures.
An NHIDCL official informed that the PMU is finalising the report and it will be submitted shortly.
“We have asked them to clarify on the actual cause of the pollution of Umngot River and also on the action which they are taking,” the official said.
The development comes after Shillong MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon’s petition to 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.
