Tribunal fines PWD Rs 31.25 lakh
SHILLONG, July 13: Unsatisfied with “unclear” reports from the state government, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has forced a third inspection of Myntdu river while ordering the Meghalaya PWD to pay Rs 31.25 lakh in compensation for choking Jowai’s primary water source with illegal construction debris.
The joint committee, led by Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) Member Secretary Dr GH Chyrmang, conducted the inspection on Monday. The move follows NGT findings that previous data submitted by state departments failed to accurately represent the environmental damage caused by the Treïongriang to Khliehtyrshi road project.
The inspection team, which included petitioner KL Pariat of Khooid Ia Ka Wah Myntdu and representatives of the Synjuk Ki Waheh Chnong Jowai, visited critical sites including the Jowai Bypass at Khliehtyrshi, Riat Ruriem, Pamblah Bridge, and the Mynkrem River stretch. “The tribunal found the reports submitted after the second inspection to be unclear,” Dr. Chyrmang said, confirming that the MSPCB has been directed to recover the Rs 31.25 lakh environmental penalty from the PWD.
The NGT has ordered the committee to verify specifically what actions were taken before and after the previous reports were filed, effectively questioning the state’s earlier claims of compliance.
While Dr Chyrmang declined to comment further, citing the matter as sub judice, local residents at the site expressed ongoing frustration. Members of the fishing association and village heads pointed to the heavy siltation at Khliehtyrshi as evidence that the river remains a dumping ground for the bypass project.
A comprehensive report of the latest findings will be submitted to the NGT before the next hearing scheduled for August 10, 2026.
