HC issues notice to State govt, KHADC over Umiam lake

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 25, 2019

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya High Court has issued notices to the state government and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) with regards to the concern expressed over the cleanliness of the Umiam Lake. 

Hearing a PIL here on Thursday, the division bench comprising of chief justice Ajay Kumar Mittal and Justice HS Thangkhiew said the cleanliness of Umiam Lake is potentially affecting the tourism and also is health hazardous to the inhabitants of the state of Meghalaya.

“Let notice be issued to the State of Meghalaya represented by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Shillong and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, Shillong represented by the Secretary,” the bench said.

Advocate General A Kumar has accepted notice on behalf of the State. Let notice be sent to the Secretary, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, returnable within three weeks, it said.

The bench has also appointed senior counsels SP Mahanta, and N Mozika to assist the Court as Amicus Curiae. The matter was adjourned to August 19, for response by the state and further proceedings.

Earlier, the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) had informed that the life span of the Umiam dam has been reduced by 41 years due to heavy siltation and pollution.

This was revealed by the MeECL officials to the Assembly Committee on Environment headed by Mawphlang legislator SK Sunn during an inspection conducted here on Thursday, last week.