By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 15: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a high-level Joint Committee to investigate allegations of ecological damage caused to the Myntdu river in West Jaintia Hills district due to indiscriminate dumping of construction debris during road works undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD).
The NGT constituted the panel after hearing the Original Application (OA) No. 1271/2024, registered based on a June 25, 2024 letter petition submitted by Khroo Lamsalanki Pariat and several others.
The petition raised concerns over large-scale dumping of muck generated during road construction in the hillocks, adjacent to Myntdu, allegedly causing serious damage to river hydrology, aquatic life, flora and fauna.
The matter was taken up under Sections 14 and 15 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 through the tribunal’s suo motu jurisdiction, in view of the law laid down by the Supreme Court in the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai Vs Ankita Sinha case.
According to the complainant, Myntdu originates at Mihmyntdu village near Jowai and is a major river in the Jaintia region, encircling Jowai town before flowing into Bangladesh. It serves as a primary water source for residents, supports irrigation, and holds significant economic, religious and cultural value.
The petition alleged that road construction undertaken by the PWD in the hills adjoining Myntdu led to indiscriminate dumping of muck and debris into the river and surrounding agricultural fields.
The project was initially sublet to M/s Kampung Kamyer Trading Company, which allegedly abandoned the work. It was later reallocated to M/s Dhar Construction Company. However, the complainants claimed that environmental norms were not adhered to and public concerns were ignored.
The NGT observed that the allegations, prima facie, raised substantial environmental questions, warranting a detailed examination.
In its latest order issued on February 4, the tribunal directed the constitution of a Joint Committee, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Member Secretary of Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), Water Resources Department, PWD and Jowai Municipal Board.
The MSPCB Member Secretary has been designated as the nodal agency for coordination and compliance.
The Committee has been directed to undertake site visits, verify the factual position, look into the grievances raised by the applicant, associate both the applicant and project proponents during the inquiry, and suggest or initiate appropriate remedial measures in accordance with environmental laws and contractual obligations.
The Committee will be required to submit its report within a month, detailing actions already taken, further remedial measures proposed, execution timelines, and compliance status.
During the hearing, PWD (National Highways) Chief Engineer Hubert Kharlukhi appeared before the tribunal in compliance with an earlier order dated December 15, 2025. He submitted that necessary remedial measures had been initiated for the removal of the dumped muck.
The NGT has directed the PWD to file an additional response within three weeks outlining the remedial steps taken.
The tribunal also allowed several interlocutory applications, including one seeking exemption from filing colour photographs and typed documents, subject to submission during the course of the hearing. Another application by the applicant to place additional documents on record was allowed, subject to objections regarding their authenticity.
The matter has been listed for further proceedings on March 11, 2026, when arguments on pending applications will also be heard. The Chief Engineer has been exempted from personal appearance on future dates unless directed otherwise.
Earlier, at the preliminary stage, the NGT constituted a committee, comprising the Central Pollution Control Board, MSPCB, and a representative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to submit a factual report.
The Joint Committee’s findings are expected to determine the extent of environmental damage and the accountability of the executing agencies in ensuring compliance with environmental safeguards in infrastructure projects across the state.
