ISRIN MAWNAI Vs. STATE OF MEGHALAYA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Additional affidavit filed by the Deputy Commissioner, Ri-Bhoi District, Nongpoh on 11.02.2019 reveals that the District Monitoring Committee has conducted local inspections on various locations and submitted the inspection report dated 18.01.2019 suggesting significant progress in construction of soak pit by various shop owners, individual households, industries, institutions, private hotels, petrol pumps, car washing, toiletries etc. The construction of soak pit on various locations have been completed, the report of District Monitoring Committee is annexed with the affidavit support the same position. The Committee has recorded the findings and recommendations wherein it has been mentioned that the construction of soak pits have been completed PHE department must take follow up action regularly through SMB volunteers/teams.

(2.) In the above said background Deputy Commissioner in her affidavit has stated that continuous monitoring through the District Monitoring Committee shall be carried out on regular basis so as to ensure avoidance of indiscriminate discharge of solid and liquid waste into Umran river. The Deputy Commissioner shall ask the PHE department to take necessary steps in the light of the recommendations of District Monitoring Committee through SMD volunteers/teams. Follow up action as shall be taken shall be brought to the notice of the Court.

(3.) Additional affidavit filed by respondent No.4 - Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) reveals that water samples were collected on 11.12.2018 for test and analysis. Result of the test and analysis has been received on 14.01.2019. At location No.1 it is stated that the water quality conforms to the general standards for discharge into inland surface water. At location No.2 it is stated that samples collected from upstream of Umran river flowing behind the boundary of BPCL petrol pump, the turbidity is found to be above the limits of Indian standards for drinking water. Regarding downstream of Umran river result is the same. Whereas, locations No.4 and 5 water quality is stated to be conforming to the standards for drinking water. Then again samples have been collected on 04.01.2019. Analysis report received on 22.01.2019 is the same as referred to above.