‘Water will be cured’

SHILLONG, MAR 19: Meghalaya deputy chief minister-in charge Water Resources- Rowell Lyngdoh said drainage of coal which pollutes Lukha and Myntdu rivers in Jaintia Hills will be ‘cured’ once the monsoon sets in and if there is no more exploitation of coal.

Replying in the assembly on Thursday, Lyngdoh said, “Therefore, if there is no more exploitation of coal, it will cure by itself.” According to him, if drainage from coal is stopped it will help naturally once rain comes.

Raising his concern, NPP legislator James K Sangma sought clarification on the immediate steps taken by the government to revive rivers literally dead.

Earlier, Lyngdoh informed that studies have been conducted on the water quality status of Lukha and Myntdu Rivers. “A project namely Community Led Ecosystem Management Project (CLEMP) has also been submitted to Government of India,” he informed.

Stating that  the project is under proposal, Lyngdoh said under this project, various steps will be taken to control various deficiencies of chemicals affecting the water.

Stating that various activities will be taken up by CLEMP, Lyngodh said reclaiming of mining areas is one of them besides conservation of plants, restoration of degraded forest.- By Our Reporter