Shillong: The Operation Clean-Up (OCU) team in Meghalaya, which has been actively involved in cleaning the Umkaliar River since 2019, recently met with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM), Shemborlang Rynjah, to emphasize the need for protecting rivers and water bodies within the Council's jurisdiction.

Led by team leader Patricia Mukhim, the OCU team submitted a memorandum to the KHADC CEM, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard rivers and water bodies from pollution caused by dumping garbage, releasing waste from septic tanks and drains, and washing vehicles in rivers.

Mukhim expressed concern that despite their consistent efforts to clean the Umkaliar River, no positive changes have been observed, and people continue to dump garbage in the river. She also pointed out that the Dorbar Shnongs have not taken adequate measures to impress upon residents the importance of protecting the environment.

The OCU team suggested erecting barricades along the river to prevent pollution and proposed that the KHADC convene a meeting with the Dorbar of various Rangbah Shnong to discuss this critical issue.

The team also highlighted the alarming fact that over 741 critical water sources are drying up, emphasizing the need for regulating sand and stone mining to protect water bodies.

In response, KHADC CEM Shemborlang Rynjah assured the OCU team that the Council will prioritize environmental conservation and water body protection. He instructed the Executive Member in charge of Environment, Aibandaplin Lyngdoh, to attend the OCU's river cleaning drive on Saturday to address the concerns raised by the team.

Rynjah also mentioned that he has discussed the matter with Shillong MP Ricky Syngkon to ensure necessary action is taken to address environmental concerns.