TURA, Sept 14 - In view of the serious observation pointed out by the Chairman and Members of the Committee on Environment, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly during their recent visit to Garo Hills region last week, the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills Ram Singh had convened a meeting to discuss about the encroachment of streams in and around the town area and also with regard to the pollution of streams especially near Tura Bazaar area, at the DRDA Hall here today.
During the review meeting, the Deputy Commissioner informed that dumping of garbage, both solid and liquid waste, directly into the stream is prohibited by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and for which awareness programmes for segregation of waste had been organised earlier, though some people have not followed the guidelines and therefore, have directed the concerned authority to penalise the violators in future.
Moreover, he directed the CEO of Tura Municipal Board to ensure door to door garbage collection in all the localities of the district and also to provide dustbins in the main market areas of the town as suggested by the Committee on Environment.
He urged the people not to throw garbage here and there, especially into the streams, since it causes serious environmental degradation and health hazards and informed that stringent action would be taken by the concerned authorities if any person is found violating and polluting the streams.
He also instructed the CEO to collaborate and arrange cleaning of the streams by the locality development committee members.
Further, the DC informed about the encroachment and illegal construction of houses and commercial establishments along the streams as pointed out by the House panel.