Meghalaya HC Directs State Government to Address Water Crisis in Shillong: Regulation of Water Tanker Prices and Rejuvenation of Water-Bodies Emphasized"

The Meghalaya High Court recently raised concern over the exorbitant rates charged by private water tankers in the State capital Shillong.

Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh, in their order, directed the State government to take necessary steps to regulate the prices of the water tankers and provide a long-term solution to the water supply issue in the city.

The court suggested that the State government could make use of funds from Central government projects to improve the water supply scenario in Shillong.

The bench also urged the State to clean and rejuvenate water-bodies in and around the city, particularly the rivers and streams that may have been choked up or contaminated. The District Council was tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that local folk who live by the water-bodies act responsibly.

The observations were made while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on the issue. The State government was directed to file a comprehensive affidavit, including details of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme.

The case will be heard next on July 21. Advocate S Dey appeared for the petitioner while  represented the respondents.

The Meghalaya High Court’s order has highlighted the need for the State government to take proactive steps to address the water crisis in Shillong. The Court has asked the State to regulate the prices of private water tankers, make use of Central government funds and clean and rejuvenate water-bodies in and around the city. The District Council has also been assigned the responsibility of ensuring that local folk act responsibly. The case will be heard next on July 21 and the State government has been asked to file a comprehensive affidavit.(alert-success)