Initiative to rejuvenate Lukha river, Meghalaya Forest minister takes spot inspection
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Sangma said there were reports of low pH level affecting aquatic life and to restore the river a project was undertaken under the District Mineral Fund for Phycoremediation, a method using algae to break certain components in the river which create high acidity.
SHILLONG:
Forest and Environment Minister James Sangma inspected the Lukha river in East Jaintia Hills following reports that the river has low pH level and has affected aquatic life.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Sangma said there were reports of low pH level affecting aquatic life and to restore the river a project was undertaken under the District Mineral Fund for Phycoremediation, a method using algae to break certain components in the river which create high acidity.
The department has currently deployed phycoremediation on a pilot experiment basis. Phycoremediation looks at the utilisation of algae for the removal of toxic contents from water.
Sangma said the department will look to scale this up in the coming days and also plans to implement phycoremediation for other rivers, where issues range from high acidity to high alkalinity.
“It is basically a pilot project that was started in the year 2019 and the success will be replicated for cleaning and rejuvenating many of the rivers across the state and this is an ecological solution,” said Sangma.
The minister said that the department has been in regular consultation with experts from the United States and Israel, who have been researching biotechnologies for water restoration.
He added, “We are always in a constant mode of balancing (economic development and maintaining a sustainable environmental system). In the move towards economic growth, we also have a very conscientious mind towards the environment and ecology and to protect the delicate balance that exists.”
Stating that climate change and global warming is a major issue and a global phenomenon, he said, “In line with the Government of India having a nomenclature of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, I am also proposing to the government that we must change the nomenclature of our forest department from Department of Environment and Forest to Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.”
He said that such a change is the need of the hour and will broaden the mandate into a subject of grave concern for all.
He said that the environmental clearance was issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and it is as per the provisions of law- Environment Impact Assessment.
Stating that the hearing should have been held thrice, but it did not take place following which the Central government took a decision based on that.
Secretary of Hynriew Shnong Wah Lukha Association, Daiapherbha Lamare who was present at the inspection informed that steps to rejuvenate the Lukha river in Jaintia Hills has started after scientists from Trinity Impex International Delhi are tasked with bringing the Lukha river back to its natural state.
It may be mentioned that the river turned bluish following which the department initiated active steps to look into a long-term solution for the restoration of the Lukha river.
(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)
ALSO READ: Exclusive: Algae gives fresh life to Meghalaya’s dead Lukha river
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