Shillong, Oct 29: VPP MP from Shillong Ricky AJ Syngkon has sought the intervention of Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav regarding the environmental degradation of the Umngot river, also known as the Dawki river, due to the Shillong-Tamabil road expansion project.
Syngkon said the project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), has led to large-scale dumping of excavated materials into the river, causing significant environmental damage.
“The river, once celebrated as Asia’s cleanest river has turned muddy and lifeless, alarming local communities, tourism operators, and environmental organisations”, he said.
