Shillong, Nov 3: Cabinet minister and Amlarem legislator Lahkmen Rymbui has expressed concern over loss of livelihood following the pristine water of Umngot river turning muddy due to dumping of construction wastes in the river.
“A muddy Umngot river is a loss for the livelihood of the people,” Rymbui told reporters on Monday.
The minister attributed the phenomenon to soil dumping by a company engaged in construction of Shillong-Dawki road beyond Laitlyngkot area.
Emphasising the river’s significance in tourism in the region, he said, “Umngot river is famous for its crystal-clear water and people engaged in boating and fishing really love the river.”
However, a small stream just below Laitlyngkot flowing by the under-construction Dawki-Shillong road carries the slush to Umngot river and made the water dirty, he said.
Referring to a recent incident of heavy landslide in the area, the minister said, “It seems the company or the contractor has dumped the soil nearby just to clear the road.”
It seems the dumped soil was carried by the stream to Umngot river, he said.
He informed Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong had urged the company to take corrective measures in this regard.
Expressing concern over the river water turning muddy, Rymbui said it has potential to effect livelihoods along Umngot river, especially Shnongpdeng and Dawki.
Changes in status of Umngot can affect tourism stakeholders right from Khanapara till Shillong, he said.
He urged the authorities concerned to take action if construction company had violated any condition of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), causing the Umngot water turning muddy.
“The glory of Umngot river and its pristine river will be there for the benefit of the people of the state,” Rymbui added.
