Shillong, April 16: The Greater Laban Community Development Society (GLCDS) on 12.04.2017 taking strong exception of the encroachment and pollution in the Critical Catchment Area of Lawsohtun and adjoining areas by Defence Authority filed an Application before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Eastern Zone (Bench), at New Town Rajarhat Kolkata, and the same has been registered as “Original Application No: 64 of 2017 / EZ” against the Authority of Defence.
The GLCDS under the Guidance of its President Shri Sanbor Shullai, MLA and members of GLCDS reach Kolkata on the 10.04.2017 and filed the application
Petition on the 12.04.2017 before the NGT Bench, as it is a matter of grave concern, as there has been rampant felling of trees and illegal construction of Boundary wall for the purpose of encroachment of the Critical Catchment Area in the Lawsohtun Forest despite prohibitory direction in this regard by the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court, Shillong Bench.
It is also to be mentioned that the activity of construction and felling of trees is adversely affecting the ecosystem and the overall ecology of the area and thus substantial question relating to protection of environment and critical catchment is involved, wherein the community at large is affected by the environmental consequence. May it further be mentioned that there exists several water sources originating from Shillong Peak which is one of the source of drinking water for the inhabitants of Shillong City and its adjoining areas.
The said Judgment of the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court in PIL No: 06 (SH) of 2005 had directed the Advisory Body constituted under the “Meghalaya Protection of Catchment Area Act, 1990” to notify and declare the Lawsohtun Forest and adjoining Areas as Catchment Areas within a period of 60 days but the Advisory Body of the Government inspite of so many years are yet to act upon the direction of the Hon’ble High court order.
