Govt implements phytoremediation for restoration of Lukha river

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 30, 2021

The state government has decided to come up with a long-term solution for restoration of the Lukha – which is one of the major rivers – in East Jaintia Hills district.

Informing this on Wednesday, Forests and Environment Minister James K Sangma said, “We have been in regular consultation with experts from the United States and from Israel, who have been researching biotechnologies for water restoration.”

This was after the Lukha River had recently turned blue again. This has been a regular phenomenon witnessed since 2007.

Sangma said the department has currently deployed phytoremediation on a pilot experiment basis.

According to him, phytoremediation looks at the utilization of algae for the removal of toxic contents from water.

“As of now, the pilot experiment has shown encouraging results, with efficiency levels beyond our expectations,” he said while adding that the department is also looking at scaling this up in the coming days.

Further, the minister informed that the department is also planning to implement phytoremediation for other rivers, where issues range from high acidity to high alkalinity.

“As we are in the process of receiving consultation from experts, we hope to deploy more such measures in the coming days to maintain the pristine natural beauty of our state,” he said.

Expressing hope to witness a vibrant picture in the long run, Sangma also urged the people to support the initiatives taken by the government.

“…we would also like to encourage various stakeholders and community groups to come forward and assist us in this initiative. We believe in mutual cooperation because when it comes to nature, it belongs to everyone,” he said.

Asserting that the need of the hour is to strike a balance between economic activities and maintaining the environment, the minister also asked the industries to follow all norms and guidelines.  

He also reminded that climate change is real and the urgency of a solution is being repeatedly cited by apex international bodies such as the United Nations.

On similar lines, Sangma said the department has decided to request the state and the central government to change the name of the Ministry of Environment and Forests to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.

“The issue of climate change has to be dealt with in an urgent manner and we think there is no time remaining for us to wait anymore,” he added.