The Meghalaya High Court addressed the issue of exorbitant rates charged by private water tankers in Shillong, the capital of the state. In a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Thomas Passah against the State of Meghalaya, the Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh suggested that the State government take immediate action to regulate and control the high rates charged by water tankers supplying water to different parts of the city. The court also proposed that the State consider utilizing funds from Central government projects to improve the water supply situation in Shillong.
The court emphasized the need for both short-term and long-term plans to address the current water supply issues and anticipate the future demand for water in the city, even considering the next 20 years. Furthermore, the bench urged the State to focus on improving the condition of water bodies in and around Shillong, including rivers and streams that may be contaminated or obstructed. It suggested that the District Council take responsibility for ensuring that the local community living near these water bodies act responsibly.
In response to the PIL, the State government has been directed to submit a comprehensive affidavit, which should include details of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for July 21. Advocate S Dey represented the petitioner, while Advocates N Syngkon, AH Kharwanlang, A Thungwa, and Philemon Nongbri appeared on behalf of the respondents.
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TAGS: exorbitant rates private water tankers State government Meghalaya High Court Shillong Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee Justice W Diengdoh Central government projects water supply scenario water bodies rivers streams District Council public interest litigation (PIL) Thomas Passah affidavit Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme July 21.
