Shillong, October 16 : The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, has issued an order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.) prohibiting the throwing of garbage/trash and effluent discharge directly into Umiam Lake or which may lead to the lake from all its adjacent areas falling under East Khasi Hills District.
The order comes in pursuance to an order dated October 3, 2023 of the High Court of Meghalaya in PIL.No.10/2019 in Re-Cleanliness of Umiam Lake Vs. State of Meghalaya.
The order states that there is indiscriminate throwing of garbage directly into the lake by travelers/revelers/shops and establishments, etc. and that there are also instances of trash flowing into the Umiam Lake from the areas adjacent to it falling under East Khasi Hills District.
The order has been passed ex-parte and comes into force with immediate effect throughout the areas specified above and, until further orders.
The order is a welcome step to protect the cleanliness of Umiam Lake, which is a popular tourist destination and a vital source of water for the people of Meghalaya.
