SHILLONG, OCT 30: A delegation of tourism societies from the Darrang area on Thursday met Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PWD (Roads) Prestone Tynsong requesting the state government to immediately constitute a fact-finding committee to probe and initiate direct measures to address issues of erosion and pollution of the Umngot River alleged due to the ongoing construction of the Shillong-Dawki road project.
The delegation comprising representatives from Darrang Tourism Promotion and Development Society, Shnongpdeng Tourism Development Society, and Dawki Tourism Development Society was led by the Dalloi of Elaka Darrang Pyrwa Lymba.
The tourism societies submitted a memorandum highlighting the severe impact of pollution on the river’s natural beauty and the livelihoods of local residents who depend on tourism.
The pollution has resulted in visible discoloration of the water, threatening the river’s reputation as one of Meghalaya’s most pristine tourist destinations.
The tourism societies have urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the possible sources of pollution and take urgent remedial action to restore the river and prevent further degradation.
“While we have some indications of the possible sources of this pollution, we trust in the wisdom as commitment of the Government to conduct a thorough investigation and take urgent remedial action, We therefore earnestly request that your office intervene promptly, either by constituting a fact-finding committee or by initiating direct measures to restore the river and prevent further degradation,” they said while adding “Your kind attention and action on this matter will go a long way in safeguarding the livelihood of the local people and preserving the ecological and tourism value of the Umngot River.”
In addition to the pollution issue, the delegation has also requested a revision of the daily road closure schedule in the Laitlyngkot area.
The current schedule, which closes the road from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., has been deemed inconvenient for tourists during the winter season. The delegation has requested that the schedule be changed to 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. to ease the flow of tourist traffic and sustain local tourism activities.
In a statement, the delegation stated that the erosion in the Umngot River has been caused by the construction of roads, particularly the Shillong-Dawki road, which has led to the destruction of the riverbank.
It said the deputy chief minister has assured the stakeholders that he would look into the matter and work towards finding a solution. He also expressed his happiness in seeing the enthusiasm of the tourism stakeholders and assured them of his support in promoting tourism in the area.
The meeting was also attended by former MLA Stephanson Mukhim, who represents the Amlarem constituency.
By Our Reporter
