Some Rivers In Meghalaya So Contaminated That They May Not Even Be Fit To Step Into: High Court

Several of the rivers, including the Umkhrah in Shillong itself are carrying such contaminated water that they may not be fit even to step into, the Meghalaya High Court observed on Wednesday.

The remarks were made by a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Deingdoh to express dissatisfaction with the State's Waterbodies (Preservation and Conservation) Guidelines, 2023, that were placed on record after Court's previous direction for protection of local water bodies and restriction of constructions within 50 metres of the high-water mark.

The bench observed that while the Guidelines do address issues like dumping of garbage and debris into waterbodies, they fail to address the most critical aspect – rampant construction around these pristine areas.

“The guidelines introduced by the State as disclosed in the affidavit fall woefully short of the expectations or the measures necessary to protect the waterbodies, particularly the Umiam Lake. The fragile biosphere and the ecology of the State have to be protected even as, on a daily basis, large chunks of forestland are being appropriated for human habitation or use…it is surprising that the guidelines are issued without indicating how far away from the high-water level of every waterbody construction may be permissible”, the court said.

It suggested the State to set up an expert body with suggestions from knowledgeable citizens possessing qualifications in such regard. It has now sought a further report on the issue after six weeks.

During the hearing the bench also observed that deforestation is a pressing concern in the State as is evident from the widespread felling of trees along the highways and the extensive use of mountain areas for construction purposes. It noted there are previous claims by the State that more than 72% of its total area is covered by forest, however, it would be interesting to ascertain whether any recent survey in such regard has been conducted for a latest analysis.

The Court also urged the State to tread a delicate balance between tourism and State's ecological conditions. “In the absence of any other employment opportunities and in the name of promoting tourism, the natural beauty of the State should not be destroyed and the State should be alive to the problem,” the Court remarked.

The matter is now scheduled next on August 31.

Case Title: In Re: Cleanliness of Umiam Lake vs State of Meghalaya

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