Section 144 CrPC promulgated prohibiting blasting & poisoning of water bodies in East Khasi Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 10, 2024

The East Khasi Hills District Magistrate has prohibited blasting and poisoning of rivers, streams or any other water bodies by any person, organization thereby causing wide spread/ large scale destruction of aquatic life within East Khasi Hills District.

The prohibitory order was promulgated by the District Magistrate in the exercise of the powers conferred under Section 144 CrPC.

The order was issued after receipt of report of indiscriminate killing of fishes in Shka Wah Umsoh to Shka Wah Umsong, Wahjapuh and Wahjaduh by way of blasting and using poisonous chemicals.

The District Magistrate observed the use of blasting chemical substances upon water bodies will result in large scale extermination of fishes and other aquatic living organisms thereon.

“Such poisoning of aquatic bodies will endanger the local, indigenous fish population, flora and fauna besides undermining the local ecology and poses a serious health hazard to human life and native fauna alike,” said the prohibitory order.

The order also informed that poisoning of water bodies will also cause a loss to the local economy and population with short-term gains off-setting long term economic interest/wellbeing of the people;

The unrelenting practice of clandestine blasting and poisoning of water bodies has the potential to result in law and order issues within the District, the order added.