Ukhrul, Novmeber 8: Celebrated as “Aisa’s cleanest river” the Umngot River flows through West Jaintia Hills Of Meghlaya.
“It seems as if the boat is in air; water is so clean and transparent. Wish all our rivers were as clean. Hats off to the people of Meghalaya.” The Ministry of Jal Shakti took on X in 2021.
Not only does this river in Mawlynnong showcase a symbol of pristine natural heritage carrying the pride of the people of Meghlaya but also proves to sustain them.
The river located along other spots such as Dawki and Shnongpdeng marks the top tourist attraction in the state.
Thousands of domestic and international tourists flock to Dawki every year to witness the river’s crystal-clear water, sustaining the livelihoods of boatmen, home stay owners, food suppliers and transporters.
However, recent videos shared by locals online began to garner attention, the water of the river was seen visibly turning murky.
Upon inspection By the Meghlaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), a construction company funded by Japan Internationl Cooperation Agency—constructing the road from Shillong to Dawki near the India-Bangaldesh border was found responsible for dumping soil into a rivulet near Laityngkot, which flows into Umngot River.
Amlaren MLA Lahkmen Rymbui stated that the Deputy Chief Minister and PWD Minister Prestone Tynsong has already spoken to the company and directed it to take immediate corrective measures.
“The company has responded positively and assured that necessary steps will be taken so that the glory of the Umngot River — the pride of Meghalaya — is restored. A muddy Umngot is a loss not just for tourism, but for the livelihood of many,” Rymbui said.
The issue appeared to have originated from a landslide that occurred near Laitlyngkot a few weeks before Durga Puja.
“It appears that the contractor engaged in road expansion work dumped the excavated soil nearby after clearing the road. The soil then washed into a small tributary that joins the Umngot River,” Rymbui explained.
Since the project has been undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), MSPCB has imposed a fine of Rs 15 lakh on the corporation.
MSPCB Chairman R. Nainamalai directed NHIDCL’s General Manager to pay the fine within 15 days. The violations were booked under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The board also ordered NHIDCL to submit a detailed report outlining the cause of the pollution, corrective actions taken and future measures to prevent further contamination.
Environmentalists supported the board’s action but urged continuous monitoring, “Fines alone are not enough. Continuous inspections and proper waste disposal systems must be ensured,” said a local environmental advocate from Amlarem.
The MSPCB said it will continue to monitor compliance and take further action if violations persist.
In 2021, the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) planned to construct a dam over Umngot river to generate 210 megawatts of power. The project was met with extreme resistance from the locals.
Fearing submergence of land, indigenous future and the detrimental impact on the ecological and human cost, villagers took on themselves to protect what is theirs.Tourist spots were shut down and public hearings were opposed.
Children along with their parents participated in acts of resistance chanting the slogan “Oh Umngot! You must not remain only a memory.”
After months of agitation the project was scrapped by the Government of Meghalaya.