The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has taken strict action after finding that waste from the ongoing Shillong–Dawki road construction was dumped into the Umngot River, one of the cleanest rivers in India. The board has ordered the immediate removal of all construction and demolition waste to protect the river’s health and beauty.
The Umngot River, which flows through Dawki town in the West Jaiñtia Hills district, is famous for its clear water that lets boats appear as if they are floating in the air. However, in recent weeks, locals have noticed that the river has turned murky and cloudy. This raised alarm among residents and environmental officials, leading to an inspection by the pollution control board.
On Friday, officials from the MSPCB carried out an inspection and found serious environmental violations. They discovered that debris from the Shillong–Dawki road construction had been dumped near the river without any safety or control measures. The inspection team noted that extensive earthwork and excavation had taken place along the under-construction road, and the loose soil and stones were sliding into the river.
The board stated that filling works carried out by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) near the Pynursla–Dawki Bridge were not done responsibly. There were no retaining structures such as sandbags to stop soil from slipping into the water. This led to large amounts of construction material moving toward the Umngot River, increasing the chances of erosion and siltation.
MSPCB Chairman R. Nanamalai, using powers under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, directed the Project Management Unit-Mylliem, which oversees the Shillong–Dawki road project, to clear all dumped material immediately. The board reminded the project authorities that they must follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on March 17, 2025, for managing construction and demolition waste.
The chairman also warned that the current situation could lead to serious environmental damage. “The filled portion near the bridge appears unstable and has the potential to cause additional landslides, especially during rainfall,” the MSPCB said in its report.
Local residents expressed sadness and concern over the condition of the Umngot River. They said the river, once so clear that people could see the bottom easily, has now become visibly muddy. “We have never seen the water like this before. The beauty of the river is disappearing,” one resident of Dawki said.
The MSPCB also noticed siltation near the new Dawki Bridge construction site. The cause was hill cutting and the sliding of loose soil into the river. Officials said that if the situation is not controlled immediately, the river’s ecosystem could suffer long-term damage. Fish species, water quality, and tourism in the area may all be affected.
To address the issue, the board collected water samples from the affected areas for laboratory testing. These tests will help determine how much pollution the river has suffered and what steps should be taken next. The results are expected to guide future clean-up and prevention measures.
The board has also directed all contractors involved in the project to apply for the mandatory Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) within 15 days. These are legal permissions required under environmental laws before starting construction or industrial operations. Many of the contractors working on the Shillong–Dawki road reportedly did not have these clearances.
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In addition, the MSPCB ordered that the Meghalaya Stone Crusher Order of December 23, 2021, must be followed strictly. This order ensures that all boulders and construction materials are sourced legally and responsibly, without causing harm to the environment.
The Project Management Unit-Mylliem has been instructed to submit an action-taken report as soon as possible, detailing the steps taken to remove the waste and prevent further dumping.
Officials also advised the use of retaining walls, sandbags, and stabilization structures along the construction route to stop loose material from flowing into the river. They emphasized that all future earthwork must include erosion control measures.
Environmentalists have welcomed the MSPCB’s quick action but urged the government to monitor the situation closely. They said this incident highlights the need for better planning and stricter supervision of infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive areas. “Development is important, but it should not destroy our natural treasures,” said an environmental activist from Shillong.
The Umngot River attracts thousands of tourists each year because of its unmatched beauty. People from across India and other countries visit Dawki to see its transparent waters and enjoy boating. Many locals depend on tourism for their livelihood. The recent pollution has therefore caused both environmental and economic worries.
The MSPCB’s directive is seen as a timely intervention to save the river’s natural charm. Once the debris is removed and proper containment systems are in place, the board hopes the river will slowly return to its original state.
As the cleanup begins, the focus will be on preventing future pollution and maintaining strict oversight of all construction work near the river. For Meghalaya, preserving the Umngot is not just an environmental duty — it is about protecting a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and pride.
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