SHILLONG:
Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Power, Prestone Tynsong would soon convene a joint meeting with line departments for addressing the issues concerning the Umiam Lake.
The decision was taken in view of the recent order passed by the Meghalaya High Court directing the state government to chalk out a road map for the preservation of the Umiam Lake.
“We have received the order of the high court, we will have a joint meeting with all the related departments and we will address these issues accordingly,” Tynsong told reporter on Thursday.
Stating that the Umiam Lake is not only the responsibility of the power department or MeECL, he said, “We also need to talk about the rivers which go down to Umiam Lake like Wahumkhrah and some small rivers from Nongthliew side, so coordination is required.”
When asked, Tynsong said all issues including the need to stop sewage from flowing to the Umiam Lake would also be taken up during the proposed meeting.
In its order on February 15, the a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh said the preservation of the Umiam Lake is vital, as is the preservation of the delicate ecology surrounding the waters, including smaller seasonal water bodies that form, and the flora and fauna.
“The State Government has to chalk out a road map for the preservation of the larger waterbody and the smaller seasonal ones around the lake; and, demarcate zones where construction can be permitted at a distance of say 150 to 200 meters from the edge of the water at its highest level and subject to conditions pertaining to sewage not seeping into the Umiam waters,” it stated in the order.
The bench further observed that at any rate, greater executive action is necessary than what is perceived to be in place at the moment.
“As much as the tourist footfall increases in the state, there is a need for sustaining the tourism industry without disturbing or distressing the environment or the ecology. Again, this needs extensive executive planning,” it asserted.