MAWIONG UMJAPUNG VILLAGE Vs. STATE OF MEGHALAYA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS instant writ petition is directed against the installation of abattoir at Mawiong, Shillong.

(2.) THE petitioner 's case in nut shell is that ''the writ petitioners are the traditional village institutions represented by the elected Headman to assail the legality of the on -going construction of the Modern Abattoir/Slaughter House at Mawiong, Shillong, East Khasi Hills District without obtaining environmental clearances from the competent authorities to protect the environment. Due to construction of the said project by the respondents from the month of February, 2012, massive continuous flow of loose soils and accumulation of hazardous pollutants have totally polluted the said Umshing River situated just 80 to 90 metres from the aforesaid project which is the only source of water supply for the entire locality of the two villages comprising of 1700 houses and a population of about 11,000. The two villages have since constructed the pump for drawing water from the said Umshing river and the Government never provide any water supply to the villages despite knowingly acute shortage of water. The people of the area on several occasions appealed to the respondents not to proceed with the project until alternative water supply arrangement is provided but the respondents arbitrarily resumed their construction from the last week of March 2012 and continued the same till date. As direct consequences, the residents of the two villages are facing acute shortage of drinking water which was normally pumping from the said river and now they are compelled to purchase drinking water from outside but for those who cannot afford, they can only depend on the rain water. Hence, this instant Writ Petition before this Hon 'ble Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for appropriate relief. ''

(3.) THE learned counsel also drawn my attention to the Joint Survey conducted by the villagers and the Government officials which is at Page -35. In the additional affidavit, it is clearly stated that, since the water has already been polluted, adequate measures are required to be taken by the Government to prevent such pollution. Hence, necessary direction may be passed as this Court deemed fit and proper.