Shillong, May 27: Power minister Abu Taher Mondal has attributed improper disposal of solid wastes in upstream areas as the reason of huge accumulation of garbage in Ganol river dam near Tura.
“The reasons are mostly the garbage from upstream markets, picnic spots, commercial establishments and also forest wastes such as tree branches and bamboo. Due to heavy rain, runoff water carried all these to the dam,” Mondal said on Tuesday.
The minister inspected the dam and the powerhouse following the incident of floating mass of garbage in the dam posed risk to the plant besides drawing public criticism.
He said most of the garbage has been cleared from the intake point site and workers are cleaning the remaining debris.
“West Garo Hills deputy commissioner has initiated action and line department officials are taking the matter up with concerned persons and committees to monitor so that there is no garbage dumping in different upstream markets and localities,” Mondal said.
