The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), South West Border Circle has submitted a memorandum to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board regarding the alarming environmental condition of the Wahprang River in East Jaintia Hills District. Copies of the memorandum were also submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Fisheries, East Jaintia Hills District, for necessary action.
A delegation of the Khasi Students’ Union South West Border Circle led by Education Secretary Andrias Talang along with Hamewanpynhun Ryngkhlem, Publicity Secretary of the Khasi Students’ Union East Jaintia Hills District Unit, met with the Member Secretary of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board to discuss the issue and submit the memorandum.
The Union expressed serious concern over the repeated incidents of mass fish deaths in the Wahprang River, particularly during the onset of the monsoon season when the first rains occur. According to local observations, such incidents have been recurring for nearly the past five years.
The Union further highlighted that this year the condition of the river has worsened significantly, as the river water has also undergone an unusual change in colour, raising strong suspicion of water pollution and possible contamination from harmful substances. The repeated fish mortality and discoloration of the river indicate a serious threat to aquatic life, biodiversity, public health, and the livelihood of the local communities depending on the river.
In the memorandum, the Union urged the authorities to immediately conduct scientific testing and inspection of the river water, identify the source of pollution, and take strict action against any individual, industry, or activity found responsible for contaminating the river. The Union also called for urgent remedial and preventive measures to restore and protect the ecological health of the Wahprang River.
Further, after meeting the Member Secretary of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, the Union was informed that following a recent press statement issued by the Khasi Students’ Union South West Border Circle, the Board had already instructed its officials to visit the area, inspect the river, and collect water samples from Wahprang for examination and analysis.
The Member Secretary also assured the Union that officials from the Board would again be deputed next week for a joint inspection along with members of the Khasi Students’ Union South West Border Circle to inspect the affected areas and trace the main suspected source of pollution.
The Union further informed that it has already submitted GPS latitude and longitude locations of the suspected areas to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board to assist the authorities in easily tracing and identifying the suspected pollution sources.
The 8 Shnong Aquatic Life Environment Protection Council has also extended its full support to the Khasi Students’ Union South West Border Circle along with the residents of the region in pursuing the matter. The organizations and local residents have further resolved to take necessary democratic and lawful steps in the event of any unsatisfactory report, inadequate action, or failure to properly address the issue by the concerned authorities.
The Khasi Students’ Union South West Border Circle stated that the matter is of serious public importance and appealed to the concerned authorities for immediate intervention to safeguard the environment, protect aquatic life, and ensure the well-being of the people.