NHIDCL Urges Meghalaya Pollution Board to Withdraw ₹15 Lakh Fine Over Umngot River Pollution Allegations

Shillong: The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has formally requested the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to revoke a ₹15 lakh environmental penalty imposed on it for allegedly polluting the pristine Umngot River during the Shillong-Dawki road project.

In a detailed representation submitted to the pollution board, NHIDCL maintained that its construction activities are not responsible for the reported turbidity and contamination in the river, particularly at the popular tourist spot of Shnongpdeng village.

According to official sources, NHIDCL launched an immediate internal probe as soon as the complaint surfaced. This was followed by three joint inspections in October and November involving MSPCB officials, NHIDCL engineers, and project contractors. The teams thoroughly examined all construction sites along the highway, with special attention to areas close to the Umngot River and its tributaries.

The joint inspections found no evidence of direct discharge of construction waste, siltation, or any form of pollution from NHIDCL’s ongoing works into the river. Crucially, Shnongpdeng – the location highlighted in the original complaint – lies well outside NHIDCL’s project limits and upstream of the major bridge construction site at Dawki. Given the river’s natural downstream flow and significant elevation difference, officials ruled out any possibility that turbidity at Shnongpdeng could have originated from NHIDCL’s activities further downstream.

NHIDCL pointed out that observed cloudiness in the water is more likely linked to unrelated activities on the Wah Umsong River near Laitlyngkot and local mining operations in the catchment area.

A subsequent inspection on November 3 along Package-II of the project did record minor turbidity at a few points caused by a contractor’s sand-washing activity and local quarrying. The sand-washing was stopped immediately, and authorities confirmed that the other instances were unrelated to the highway project.

The corporation emphasised that its contractors have strictly adhered to the approved Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and promptly implemented all corrective measures directed by MSPCB, including suspension of certain activities, slope stabilisation, and enhanced monitoring.

In a related development, the EPC contractor for Package-V reported that a small quantity of debris had slipped toward the riverbank on November 4 due to steep terrain while building an approach road to the major Umngot bridge. Immediate clean-up, slope protection, and riverbank reinforcement works were undertaken, with dedicated teams now stationed for round-the-clock monitoring.

Contending that none of the four locations cited by MSPCB fall within watercourses impacted by its work, NHIDCL has urged the pollution control board to re-examine the evidence from joint inspections and withdraw the ₹15 lakh penalty.

The corporation reiterated its commitment to environmental safeguards and stated that all temporary earthwork and debris management are essential for the safe execution of the strategically important Shillong-Dawki highway project.

The MSPCB is yet to respond to NHIDCL’s plea for a waiver of the fine.

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