Meghalaya High Court Calls for Vigorous Measures to Protect State's Ecology and Waterbodies
The Meghalaya High Court, in the case of Umiam Lake's cleanliness and preservation, has urged the State government to take proactive steps in safeguarding the ecology from destruction. Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh emphasized that the lack of employment opportunities cannot be an excuse for encroaching on forest land and waterbodies or causing harm to the flora and fauna.
The Court expressed deep concern over the contamination of water sources and deforestation in the State. It highlighted the need to protect the fragile biosphere and ecology while addressing the rampant appropriation of forestland for human habitation and construction purposes. The Court expressed disappointment with the Meghalaya Waterbodies (Preservation and Conservation) Guidelines, 2023, and called for more robust norms to be established within six weeks.
The guidelines, although mentioning the prohibition of garbage and debris dumping in waterbodies, were criticized for lacking specific provisions about maintaining a safe distance between waterbodies and construction sites. The Court deemed the guidelines inadequate and stressed that the State must take more substantial measures to protect the waterbodies, especially Umiam Lake.
The High Court called for a holistic approach from the State, urging cooperation from District Councils and citizens to prepare and enforce an action plan. It reiterated its previous orders that prohibited construction activities around waterbodies, which were to be continued based on the latest ruling.
Click Here to: Download/View Related File
TAGS: Meghalaya High Court Umiam Lake ecology waterbodies preservation employment opportunities forest land flora and fauna contamination deforestation biosphere Meghalaya Waterbodies Guidelines prohibition garbage dumping debris dumping safe distance construction sites robust norms District Councils citizens action plan construction activities ruling.
