The Meghalaya High Court has stayed further construction near Amim Lake.
Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday ordered a halt to further construction near Umiam Lake before strict rules are framed for such construction and treatment of runoff.
A division bench of the Meghalaya High Court comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh said no further construction would be allowed within at least 1,000 meters of the highest flood level (HFL) of Amim Lake. About 300m from HFL.
Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday ordered a halt to further construction near Amim Lake before strict rules are framed for such construction and treatment of runoff.
“No future construction in or around Amim Lake shall be permitted, at least within 1000 meters of the HFL, before strict norms are laid down for such construction and treatment of runoff. , after leaving the no-construction buffer zone about 500 meters from it. HFL, by the appropriate authorities,” the Meghalaya High Court said.
It added: “Both the state and the district council should ensure compliance with such directive.”
A joint inspection was conducted by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) along with the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and it was revealed that seven establishments had constructed buildings within 300 meters of the HFL of Amim Lake.
Several other buildings are also under construction.
“In some cases, permissions have also been obtained from the State Pollution Control Board, but it does not appear that any law relating to the extent of construction, nature of construction or any limitation or regulation may be enforced. In this regard, “KHADC informed the Meghalaya High Court.
However, the Meghalaya High Court ruled that even if an establishment has built with some kind of permission, “strict conditions need to be imposed” to ensure that the ground water is treated or that the surroundings are clean. Aesthetics should not be adversely affected.
The Meghalaya High Court said, “It does not appear that any law relating to extent of construction, nature of construction or any limitation or regulation in this regard can be enacted.”
