The Meghalaya High Court has recently directed the State government to address the issue of excessively high rates charged by private water tankers in the State capital, Shillong.
Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh suggested that the State could utilize funds from Central government projects to enhance the water supply situation in the capital.
The Court’s order stated that “Apart from the problem of exorbitant rates charged by water- tankers supplying water to various parts of the city, which the State must immediately regulate and rein in, there have to be long-term and short-term plans put in place for the immediate future and how the State reckons the demand for water would be, say, 20 years hence.”
Additionally, the bench urged the State to focus on improving the condition of water bodies, including rivers and streams in and around Shillong, by cleaning and rejuvenating them.
The Court stated that, “The State would also do well to clean and rejuvenate water- bodies in and around the city particularly the rivers and streams that may have been choked up or completely contaminated. The District Council should be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that local folk who live by the water-bodies act responsibly.”
These observations were made during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) related to the issue.
The State government has been directed to submit a comprehensive affidavit, which should include details of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme.
The case will be heard next on July 21.
