Evict or close any residence or establishment within 50 meters of River Myntdu

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 27, 2022

Taking serious note of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) direction for safeguarding the River Myntdu, Meghalaya Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang IAS ordered the immediate eviction and closure of residences and establishments existing 50 metres from the Myntdu River.

The Chief Secretary issued the order during the review meeting in the Conference Hall of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai on Tuesday.

Wahlang reviewed the implementation of the orders of the National Green Tribunal in O.A. 172/2016/EZ, Sajay Laloo vrs State of Meghalaya.

The Chief Secretary asked the District Administration, the Jowai Municipal Board and the Urban Affairs Department to ensure strict compliance with the NGT Orders relating to the cleanliness of the Myntdu River, including, expediting the identification of land for a permanent sanitary landfill for Jowai, eviction and closure of residences and establishments existing 50 metres from the Myntdu River.

Also Read | Polluting River Myntdu in any forms will attract fines of Rs.5000

The Chief Secretary tasked the DC to take personal interest to expedite the ongoing bio-remedial works, construction of Faecal Sludge and Septage Management Treatment Plant, waste recovery centres and ensure that there are no households with faulty or without septic tanks in Jowai.

The meeting was attended by MR Synrem, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Affairs Department, Ethelbert Kharmalki, IAS, Director, Urban Affairs Department, BS Sohliya, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills District, RS Gill, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chairman, MSPCB among others.