In Shillong Hotels, guest houses, restaurants and even hospitals here have installed effluent treatment plants to reduce the contamination of polluted water bodies.
In total 69 hotels, 19 guest houses, 37 restaurants and 11 hospitals, among others, have installed the plants to treat waste water. The aim is to reduce the pollution of the Umshyrphi and Umkhrah rivers, which flow in the heart of the city.
The pH value of the river is within the criteria stipulated by the Central Pollution Control Board. The dissolved oxygen content, however, is not meeting the water quality stipulated by the board. The river falls under “E” category, indicating that the river water is fit only for irrigation, industrial cooling and controlled waste disposal.
The Meghalaya Urban Development Authority had conducted spot inspection regarding unauthorised construction along the Umkhrah and 18 individuals were served showcause notices directing them to immediately dismantle the unauthorised structures.
However, the matter is pending disposal with the Supreme Court.