Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Former Meghalaya Chief Secretary Barkos Warjri is pressuring the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to shield the Shillong Peak forest from destruction. This area remains a critical water source and a biodiversity hub. The springs historically supplied the entire city before the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme incorporated the Umiam River roughly 30 years ago.
Warjri stated, "These springs had traditionally provided clean, unpolluted water to the city." The infrastructure dates back 120 years. British engineers designed the system using porous sandstone walls to filter water into covered pools. Gravity moves the water through pipes set on gentle slopes to stop airlocks. The system still works today without daily maintenance.
Key distribution points include the Iewduh market and Lachaumiere. Various parts of the city still rely on this network. Residents in Nongthymmai, Malki, Lachaumiere, the vicinity of Raj Bhavan, and areas around Tripura Castle still receive water from these springs. Warjri also pointed out the forest's ecological value as a reserved space for birds and wildlife.
During a recent trip, he spotted a pair of black pheasants. The forest also houses flying foxes and wild cats. Rhododendrons cover the ground in red every April. He warned against losing this natural and historical heritage. He is currently asking the public to join the campaign to Save Lum Shillong.
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