Section 163 BNSS imposed for preservation & protection of River Myntdu in West Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 1, 2024

The West Jaintia Hills District Magistrate has issued prohibitory order under Section 163 of BNSS for preservation and protection of Myntdu River and its catchment area.

According to the prohibitory order, sand mining and stone quarries all along the river Myntdu and on the river bed are prohibited.

The order banned the washing of clothes and vehicles, dumping of spoils and waste material (Solid/Liquid) along the course of Myntdu River and waste/muck from road construction into Myntdu River.

Dumping of waste in the Myntdu River including diapers and sanitary pads is also prohibited.

Notably, the prohibitory order is issued in continuation to the earlier Order issued under Section 144 CrPC Dt. 26/06/2024.

The order was necessiated as it was widely observed that the quality of water in the Myntdu River and its tributaries are severely affected and muddy due to erosion and depositing of debris in the important catchment areas of Myntdu River.

There have been illegal mining activities reported along the river bed of Myntdu river.

“All the above have contributed to the significant pollution of the river which has resulted in the contamination of the water supply of the entire town of Jowai,” the order said.