East Khasi Hills prohibits release of sewage into rivers in Shillong

Shillong: The East Khasi Hills district administration has prohibited the release of sewage and other wastes into rivers flowing through and around the hill city with immediate effect to check further pollution of these once-pristine water bodies.

In an order issued on May 13, district magistrate RM Kurbah said it has been brought to her notice that according to the latest analysis report conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board on Umkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers, it was revealed that there is no significant improvement in water quality, particularly at Umshyrpi near Law College, Umshyrpi at Umshyrpi Bridge, Umkhrah river at Demthring, Umkhrah at Umkaliar, Umkhrah near slaughter house (Mawlai Phudmuri) and Umkhrah at Mawpdang Mawlai.

Kurbah said due to increase in parameters like biological oxygen demand & fecal coliform, unauthorised discharge of domestic sewage from septic tanks into the water bodies and throwing or dumping of garbage on street or into water bodies have been polluting the rivers.

So, in exercise of the power conferred upon her under Section 163 BNSS, the DM has prohibited the unauthorised discharge of untreated sewage or other wastes from septic tanks, houses, automobile workshops, commercial establishments, etc. and throwing of garbage on street or water bodies at the above mentioned places. "Any violation to this order shall invite prosecution under Section 223 of the BNS and legal action as per the relevant Sections of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, I981," the DM said.