The Umngot River in Meghalaya, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking beauty, has recently turned muddy and lifeless, alarming local communities and environmental authorities. Flowing through Dawki and Shnongpdeng in the West Jaintia Hills district, the river is a major attraction and a symbol of Meghalaya’s pristine natural heritage.

Relevance for UPSC (GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology)

What Happened

• The clarity of the Umngot River has been affected by massive dumping of soil and construction debris linked to the ongoing Shillong–Dawki road widening project.
  
• The work, carried out by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), involves hill-cutting and excavation near the river. This has led to sediments and loose soil sliding into the water.
  
• Residents and local leaders have raised concerns, saying the once transparent river has turned brown and turbid, especially since October, driving away tourists and affecting local livelihoods.
  
• The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board has directed officials to remove the dumped material and ensure stabilisation of slopes to prevent further contamination.
  

Environmental and Socio-Economic Impact

• Ecological damage: Sediment runoff disrupts aquatic ecosystems, reduces oxygen levels, and alters the riverbed structure.
  
• Tourism decline: The river’s clarity attracts thousands of visitors annually. Its deterioration directly impacts tourism and the economy of nearby villages dependent on boating and homestays.
  
• Governance challenge: The incident highlights gaps in environmental compliance, project monitoring, and coordination between agencies during infrastructure development.
  
• Sustainable Development Goals: The issue relates to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), emphasizing the balance between development and ecological preservation.
  

Way Forward

• Strict enforcement of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and standard operating procedures for construction near sensitive ecosystems.
  
• Regular environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and real-time monitoring of debris disposal.
  
• Involvement of local communities and tourism stakeholders in river conservation efforts.
  

One-line wrap: The Umngot River’s murky waters serve as a warning that development without ecological foresight can erode even the clearest symbols of natural beauty.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question:

Which of the following statements about the Umngot River in Meghalaya are correct?

1. The Umngot River is known for its crystal-clear waters that make boats appear as if they are floating in the air.
   
2. The river’s pollution has been linked to debris and soil dumping from a road construction project.
   
3. The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board has taken measures under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to mitigate the issue.
   

Select the correct code:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D