River of Despair: The Quest for a Cleaner Umkaliar
Shillong, March 16: Operation Clean-Up (OCU), a dedicated group of citizens, organizations, and institutions, has been working tirelessly to restore the Umkaliar river to its former glory. Since 2019, the volunteers have been conducting fortnightly cleaning sessions, focusing on the upper reaches of the Umkhrah, with the aim of preventing the pollution from spreading further. However, despite their relentless efforts, the group remains overwhelmed, and their struggle has gained little attention from the local authorities.
The only politician to have shown some support is former KHADC CEM, Pyniaid Sing Syiem, who visited the site twice and agreed to construct a barrier to prevent people from washing their vehicles in the river, a major source of pollution. Despite this, there has been minimal involvement from the MLA of the area and the MDC, leaving the OCU team to carry the burden alone.
The group has also approached local schools to enlist their support, with the exception of KC Secondary School, led by Headmaster Brian Wahlang, which has consistently sent students to participate in the cleaning efforts. Other organizations like Jiva Cares, Team Shubham, Col Shishupal Security Company, Martin Luther Christian University, IIM Shillong, Meghalaya Home Guards, and individual volunteers have also joined the cause.
During a recent cleaning drive, the team arrived at the Umkaliar river to find the water almost black in color, with tons of garbage and debris scattered throughout. Women were washing their clothes in the dirty water, seemingly unaffected by the pollution. A Class 7 student, Mawjop Marwein, was visibly distraught, asking why people were so careless towards the river. He and his friends began cleaning the river with determination, but the lack of response from the local residents was disheartening.
The problem lies in the mindset of the community, where citizens believe it is the government’s responsibility to clean up the environment, while they themselves can pollute with impunity. This lack of accountability is a major hurdle in combating environmental issues. The OCU team has been pushing for a ban on car washing in the river, but the Nongmensong Dorbar Shnong has shown no willingness to take action.
The absence of coordination among stakeholders, including the KHADC, the Dorbar Shnong, the Forest and Environment Department, and the Water Resources Department, has hindered progress in addressing the issue. It is imperative that these entities come together to develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the environmental crisis. A recent study by the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, warns that Meghalaya is heading for a drought, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent this disaster.
KHADC Executive Member Aibandaplin F Lyngdoh and Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana recently inspected the river and acknowledged the gravity of the situation, pledging to take action to reduce pollution levels. However, without a unified approach and collective responsibility, the efforts will remain fragmented, and the Umkaliar river will continue to suffer.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/03/17/mindless-pollution-teenagers-shocked-over-sorry-state-of-umkaliar-river/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-03-17 04:11:00
