Meghalaya Board Fines NHIDCL for Umngot Pollution as Drone Survey Expands

Overview

• MSPCB imposed a Rs 15 lakh environmental penalty on NHIDCL after inspections found debris and soil runoff from the JICA-funded Shillong–Dawki road works contaminating Umngot tributaries.
• NHIDCL has sought a waiver of the penalty, with authorities noting that waivers apply only if the agency proves it was not responsible for the violations.
• The pollution board is conducting an extensive drone survey over the Umngot to map affected stretches and to identify any additional sources beyond the highway project.
• A parallel drone operation on the Simsang is under way after inspectors reported a site with drastic violations linked to NHIDCL road works and visibly muddy water.
• Three joint inspections in October and November by the MSPCB, NHIDCL engineers, and contractors will feed into today’s district-level review chaired by the Deputy Commissioner.