Green Tech Foundation asks govt to stop ‘illegal’ construction at Wah Thangsniang
Shillong, Apr 27: The Green-Tech Foundation has sought the intervention of the government to stop the alleged encroachment upon Wah Thangsniang and erection of permanent structures at the boundary between Nongrimbah and Nongrim Hills, here.
The Foundation members carried out a spot inspection of the area on Friday.
The Foundation chairman HBN Nonglang and secretary general K Syiemlieh said that letters were sent to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Shillong Municipal Board and the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner on April 20 seeking action.
The organisation termed the construction works as unlawful and illegal encroachment upon Wah Thangsniang along with the erection of permanent concrete structures by some unknown persons which can be observed at the boundary between Nongrimbah and Nongrim Hills.
Wah Thangsniang springs from Stream Lawjynriew flowing through Lumpyngngad, Jingkieng, Nongthymmai, Nongrim Hills, MES, Nongrimbah, Nongrimmaw and Demsieniong. “However, the sudden development of construction over the water body specifically at the boundary between Nongrimbah and Nongrim Hills raises numerous questions despite having strict norms and even a standing order passed by the High Court of Meghalaya in a suo moto PIL No. 10 of 2019”, said the letter addressed to the concerned officials.
Green-Tech Foundation pointed out that the constructions have grave ramifications since they pose a threat to life and property of the residents along the stretch of the water body. Moreover, rules and regulations as prescribed under the Meghalaya Water bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Guidelines, 2023 have deliberately been violated by the very prima facie act of encroachment over the water body.
“The unlawful and illegal construction over the water body has blatantly violated all norms implemented so as to control pollution and maintain the pristine beauty of a water body in the state of Meghalaya. Moreover, it may be perceived that the person(s) accountable for such unlawful and illegal construction have disregarded all norms and sought to bypass the operation of law”, the letter said.
The Foundation stressed on the need to conduct an enquiry into the matter in identifying all defaulting officers who have allowed the unlawful and illegal construction superseding all laws and violation thereof.
They wanted a response/show-cause from the concerned authority approving the unlawful and illegal construction in superseding all laws and violation thereof.
The organisation wanted review of the architectural structure and blue print of the construction
The Foundation wanted a response from the concerned architect/engineer who had endorsed and approved the same.
