Shillong: The National Green Tribunal ordered a third inspection of the Myntdu river. State reports were unclear. The tribunal slapped the Meghalaya PWD with a Rs 31.25 lakh fine for dumping construction debris from the Treïongriang to Khliehtyrshi road project into Jowai’s primary water source.
A joint committee led by Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Dr. GH Chyrmang visited the site this past Monday. The team included petitioner KL Pariat of Khooid Ia Ka Wah Myntdu and representatives from the Synjuk Ki Waheh Chnong Jowai. They toured the Jowai Bypass at Khliehtyrshi, Riat Ruriem, the Pamblah Bridge, and the Mynkrem River stretch.
"The tribunal found the reports submitted after the second inspection to be unclear," Dr. Chyrmang said. He confirmed the MSPCB must now recover the penalty from the PWD. The tribunal wants the committee to verify specific actions taken before and after the filing of previous reports to check if the state lied about its compliance.
Local villagers and the fishing association remain angry. Heavy siltation still plagues Khliehtyrshi. They claim the bypass project continues to treat the river like a trash heap. The committee must submit a final report before the next hearing on August 10, 2026.
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