Meghalaya HC directs state govt to enforce guidelines for Umiam Lake cleanliness

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya high court has issued directives to the state government, emphasizing strict adherence to guidelines for maintaining the cleanliness of Umiam Lake.

In an order issued on February 19, the division bench comprising Chief Justice S Vaidyanathan and Justice W Diengdoh, while disposing of a PIL, stated, “PIL No.10 of 2019 is hereby disposed of with the following guidelines, which must be adhered to by the State Respondents without fail.”

Furthermore, the Meghalaya high court cautioned, “Failure by the responsible officials to comply with the aforementioned guidelines may result in departmental action against them, with their negligence being recorded in their Service Registers, potentially affecting their promotion prospects.”

The guidelines stipulate that in cases where public property is identified or recovered based on the court's directives, a permanent steel display board with a barcode and case number must be installed at strategic locations within the designated area.

Additionally, these identified locations should be prominently displayed on all relevant government websites to deter any unauthorized dealings with public property.

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Moreover, the guidelines dictate that activities such as hawking and parking should be strictly prohibited at these reclaimed public sites, except as permitted by law.

Furthermore, no authorization should be granted for the use of these sites as auto or taxi stands, which may obstruct public movement or traffic flow, unless specifically authorized.

Additionally, no individual or entity is permitted to erect temporary or permanent structures on the site or on pavements/footpaths without prior permission from the relevant authorities.

In the event of any unauthorized construction, swift action must be taken by the authorities to dismantle the structures.