Umiam Lake needs urgent attention for its cleanliness
In re Cleanliness Umiam Lake v. State of Meghalaya PIL10/2019 before Meghalaya High Court Heard by Honâble Mr. Chief Justice Sanjeeb Banerjee J & Honâble Mr. Justice W Diengdoh J Umiam Lake in Meghalaya is often compared with the beautiful lakes of Scotland. It is a vast and beautiful lake that attracts a large number of tourists from across the country. It is surrounded by the lush and lofty East Khasi Hills. Moreover, there are small islands that rise from the water that look exceptionally beautiful and when seen from Union Christian College Peak, the lake emerges in all its beauty and splendor. It is sad that rapid urban growth has transformed Umiam into a sink for Shillongs waste and natural streams/rivers feeding the lake into open drains. A PIL was filed in the year 2019 concerning seeing the level of pollution at Umiam Lakes cleanliness before the Meghalaya High Court and hearing is continuing. The matter was listed on 19.07.2023 and State submitted Preservation and conservation guidelines 2023 by way of an affidavit. Observation of the Court with respect to the Report 1.   The guidelines of 2023 published by the State appear to be more of a formality than addressing the real issues. 2.   The guidelines introduced by the State as disclosed in the affidavit fall woefully short of the expectations or the measures necessary to protect the waterbodies, particularly the Umiam Lake. 3.   In the absence of any other employment opportunities and in the name of promoting tourism, the natural beauty of the State should not be destroyed and the State should be alive to the problem. 4.   The State must indicate the measures taken by it to arrest deforestation, as stretches along the highways all over the State reveal felling of trees and more and more of the mountain being chopped off for construction purposes. 5.   Though, State claims that more than 72 per cent of its total area is covered by forest, it would be interesting to ascertain whether any recent survey in such regard has been conducted, if conducted, such report be placed before the Court. 6.   Several of the rivers, including the Umkhrah in Shillong itself are carrying such contaminated water that they may not be fit even to step into. 7.   Elsewhere, rivers and streams which are not perennial carry so much filth and dirt that people living downstream are deprived of the use of the water altogether. 8.   There has to be a more wholesome approach undertaken by the State and it is hoped that the setting up of an expert body with suggestions from knowledgeable citizens possessing qualifications in such regard would go a long way in the State preparing an action plan and persuading the District Councils to abide by the same. Seema Bhatnagar
