Nongsning and Umrasong water crisis deepens, residents demand action

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 21, 2024

The once crystal-clear water in Nongsning and Umrasong villages has taken on a disturbing brownish or muddy hue, triggering deep concern and frustration among residents.

This alarming transformation in water colouration has left villagers perturbed and dismayed, as they grapple with the consequences of pollution attributed to a nearby coke oven plant of M/S Prisidium Breeze located on the border of these two villages under Elaka Sutnga, East Jaintia Hills District.

Dipsing Bareh, the headman of Nongsning, highlighted the distressing situation, underscoring the visible deterioration in water quality that has shaken the communities. He said complaints have been lodged with the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills and MSPCB, but they witnessed a disheartening lack of action to address the issue.

It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) issued stern directives to the factory, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining cleanliness and preventing water pollution. However, these directives were blatantly disregarded, leading to the continued contamination of the once-pristine water source.

In response to mounting protests from villagers and the persistent non-compliance of the factory, the MSPCB took a step by temporarily halting the factory’s operations on February 16, 2024. However, the absence of further decisive action from the MSPCB has only compounded the villagers’ frustration and sense of abandonment.

As their water source continues to degrade, Dipsing Bareh calls for proactive measures to address the pollution crisis and safeguard the health of the affected communities.