Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Meghalaya Pollution Board Fines NHIDCL Rs 15 Lakh for River Pollution
Imagine a beautiful river that's usually super clear, like glass!
People like to visit it because it's so pretty.
But now, construction work for a new road is happening nearby.
Sadly, dirt and trash from the construction are falling into the river and its little streams, making the water muddy and dirty.
The people who protect the environment in Meghalaya saw this and told the construction company, NHIDCL, that they have to pay a big fine of 15 lakh rupees.
They also told them to clean up the mess and make sure it doesn't happen again.
If they don't fix it, they might have to pay more or even stop their work.
Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) fined NHIDCL Rs 15 lakh for polluting Umngot river tributaries.
Pollution is due to construction debris and soil runoff from the JICA-funded Shillong-Dawki Road project.
The Umngot river, a tourist attraction, has turned muddy, causing concern among residents and environmental groups.
NHIDCL has been given 15 days to pay the fine and submit a report on corrective actions.
Environmentalists have welcomed the action but call for stronger monitoring to prevent future pollution.
- Who
- Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and NHIDCL
- What
- MSPCB fined NHIDCL Rs 15 lakh for polluting tributaries of the Umngot river with construction debris and soil runoff.
- When
- Notice issued on Friday, November 8th (specific year not provided, implied current year). Inspection conducted last week.
- Where
- West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya, affecting tributaries of the Umngot river near Dawki.
- Why
- Pollution caused by debris and soil runoff from the JICA-funded Shillong-Dawki Road project executed by NHIDCL, violating environmental protection acts.
NHIDCL Actions
Environmental Concerns
Pollution Cause
NHIDCL Actions
NHIDCL is executing the Shillong-Dawki Road project, which involves road widening and construction.
Environmental Concerns
Construction debris and soil runoff from the road project are polluting tributaries of the Umngot river, turning its once-clear waters muddy.
Debris Disposal
NHIDCL Actions
NHIDCL's work has led to excessive dumping of excavated earth and construction waste along slopes adjacent to the river.
Environmental Concerns
Residents have voiced concerns over unregulated debris disposal and unchecked sedimentation affecting the Umngot ecosystem.
- Polluting Entity
- NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited)
- Project
- JICA-funded Shillong-Dawki Road project
- Affected River
- Umngot River and its tributaries
- Fine Amount
- Rs 15 Lakh
- Reason for Fine
- Pollution from construction debris and soil runoff
- Issuing Authority
- Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB)
- Deadline for Payment
- 15 days from notice