Meghalaya pollution board imposes ₹15 lakh fine on NHIDCL for damaging Umngot River

The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) fined the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) ₹15 lakh for polluting tributaries of the Umngot River in West Jaintia Hills. Debris from the JICA-funded Shillong–Dawki Road project turned the river muddy, damaging its once-clear waters. Following an inspection, MSPCB cited violations of the Water, Air, and Environment Protection Acts and ordered NHIDCL to pay within 15 days and submit a pollution control report. Officials warned of further penalties for non-compliance. Environmentalists welcomed the fine but urged stronger monitoring and proper waste management to prevent future contamination.