In compliance with the order of the Honorable National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, in OA No. 1271/2024 dated February 4, 2026, the Joint Committee conducted an inspection of the Wah Myntdu River yesterday.
The inspection focused on the ongoing road construction from Treïongriang to Khliehtyrshi, which bypasses the Jowai town in the West Jaiñtia Hills District and has resulted in significant environmental damage due to excessive soil dumping.
The inspection was organized by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and included key officials such as MSPCB Member Secretary Dr. G.H. Chyrmang, who served as the nodal officer.
Other participants were Er. Abhay Kumar from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, General Manager (Brahmaputra Board) S.C. Sadhu IAS, Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department, C.E. Wahlang, Superintending Engineer (WR) HPD, Water Resource Department, Amabilis Phawa, Superintending Engineer PWD (Roads) Jowai Circle, Sandrew Syiem, Senior Environmental Engineer MSPCB, and Manhubeitki Passah, Executive Engineer Jowai Municipal Board.
This inspection was prompted by a petition from KL Pariat, President of "Khooid Ia Ka Wah Myntdu," a local environmental group. The sites inspected included Tyrshi Falls, Pynthorneiñ, Pamblah Bridge, the Mynkrem River stretch, and Treïongriang Bridge.
During the inspection, the committee observed that excavated earth from the roadworks had been improperly dumped into the river at several locations.
Consequently, the contractor and the Public Works Department (PWD) were instructed to promptly remove the debris and construct retaining walls to prevent further soil erosion.
Dr. Chyrmang stated that the committee is in the process of compiling a comprehensive report to be submitted to the NGT ahead of the next hearing, scheduled for March 11, 2026.
BITE: Dr.G.H Chyrmang, MFS, Member Secretary Meghalaya Polution Control Board Meghalaya Shillong, & Nodal Officer