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

The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has imposed a fine of ₹15 lakh on the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for causing environmental damage to the Umngot River and its tributaries in the West Jaintia Hills district. The penalty follows findings that debris and soil from the Shillong–Dawki Road project were contaminating the once-pristine river, which is famous for its crystal-clear waters and is a major tourist attraction near Dawki.

In recent weeks, the Umngot River has turned visibly muddy, alarming both local residents and environmental organizations. According to officials, an inspection conducted by MSPCB last week confirmed that waste and excavated soil from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded road construction project were being dumped directly into the river and its tributaries. As a result, the board determined that NHIDCL had violated several environmental regulations, prompting the imposition of the fine.

MSPCB Chairman R. Nainamalai issued a formal notice to NHIDCL’s General Manager (Projects), directing the company to pay ₹15 lakh as environmental compensation for violations recorded at four specific construction sites along the project route. The company has been given 15 days to remit the amount through a demand draft or banker’s cheque made payable to the Member Secretary, MSPCB, Shillong.

The notice cites breaches under key environmental legislations, including Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These violations stem from improper disposal of construction materials and lack of adequate measures to prevent pollution during the ongoing roadwork.

The MSPCB has also directed NHIDCL to submit a comprehensive report explaining the causes of the pollution, detailing corrective measures already implemented, and outlining preventive strategies to ensure no further contamination occurs. The board warned that failure to comply with these directives within the stipulated time could result in stricter penalties, including the possible suspension of the project.

Officials from the pollution board emphasized that such negligent practices have severely affected both water quality and aquatic life in the Umngot River. They noted that the siltation and pollution could have long-term consequences on the river’s ecosystem, as well as on the livelihoods of communities dependent on tourism and fishing.

The Shillong–Dawki Road, a vital route connecting Meghalaya’s capital to the India–Bangladesh border, has been under scrutiny for several months due to repeated complaints from residents about unregulated dumping, unchecked soil erosion, and sedimentation in nearby water bodies. Locals have accused the construction company of ignoring environmental safeguards and carrying out operations without proper waste management systems in place.

Environmentalists have welcomed the fine imposed by the MSPCB but argue that penalties alone are not enough to address the issue. They have urged continuous on-site inspections, strict enforcement of environmental guidelines, and the establishment of a systematic waste disposal mechanism to prevent future damage. A local environmental advocate from Amlarem stated that sustained monitoring and accountability are essential to restore the Umngot’s ecological balance.

The MSPCB has assured that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and take further legal or administrative action if NHIDCL fails to comply with environmental norms. The board reiterated its commitment to protecting Meghalaya’s fragile river ecosystems, emphasizing that development projects must not come at the cost of environmental degradation.