Participants of the meeting in Shillong

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma said his government is committed to rejuvenating and restoring all water bodies in Meghalaya.

A meeting on rejuvenation and restoration of the major rivers of Shillong – Wahumkhrah, Wah Umshyrpi and Wah Umkhen – was held in Shillong at Yojana Bhawan on April 14 which was attended by Conrad K Sangma, deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, minister AL Hek, chief secretary DP Wahlang senior officers, members of Dorbar Shnongs and representatives from different civil bodies.

Conrad K Sangma said the objective of the meeting was to identify the critical gaps and devise a future action plan and the way forward in the rejuvenation and restoration of the three important rivers of Shillong while soliciting the participation and suggestions of the Dorbar Shnongs and the communities.

The chief minister said there needs to be a balance between ecology and economy adding: “The meeting that we are having today is a part of the larger agenda of the state government to have a balance among livelihood, economy and environment so that while the economic needs are being taken care of the environment is also protected and conserved for future generations.”

He further highlighted some of the programmes of the government for climate change mitigation, sewage and waste management, phasing out single-use plastic, mitigating air pollution through the use of electric vehicles and afforestation and community participation through awareness and involvement of students and youth through programmes and designing curriculum.

Earlier, chief secretary DP Wahlang in his presentation said there are National Green Tribunal (NGT) and court directives to address the issue of pollution of the rivers. He mentioned Wahumkhrah and Umshyrpi are among the 45 most polluted rivers of the country as listed by NGT. He called upon the active participation of the community and different stakeholders like KHADC, Dorbar Shnongs, civil society organizations in awareness and mobilization.

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