Shillong, Apr 2 : Taking suo moto action on the
CAG report on air, water and environmental pollution in
Meghalaya, the Gauhati High Court has sought clarification
from the state government on steps taken to check it.
The Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court directed
the state government on Thursday to provide details of the
steps taken by it to monitor, control and manage air, water
and waste pollution in the state within three weeks.
The court cited the CAG report in which 28 of the 31 water
bodies in six districts of Meghalaya have been declared
"unfit" for drinking.
"It is seen that the CAG has come down heavily on the
inability of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board
(MSPCB) for not being able to conduct regular monitoring of
water bodies in the state resulting in the water bodies being
deemed unfit for consumption," the order stated.
In its order, the court also expressed grave concern over
the poor compliance of rules by the Shillong Municipal Board
and healthcare establishments coupled with the ineffective
monitoring by the MSPCB which has resulted in continued
environmental pollution and health hazards leading to increase
in the number of patients suffering from air- and water- borne
diseases.
The CAG had stated that 139 of the 178 health institutions
in Meghalaya were found "guilty" of functioning without proper
authorization from the state pollution control board.
"This matter has captured the attention of the Court which
has viewed it with great concern," the directive said.
Advocate S P Mahanta was appointed as amicus curiae while
senior government advocate N D Chullai accepted the court
notice on behalf of the state government.
The matter will come up for hearing later in April.