Buildings have therefore encroached the river, like Petrol Pumps, Hotels and other business constructions, motor garages and makeshift huts that constitute a vast slum area. This has also caused erosion of the river and its width span. The successive government had only tried and failed to stop this illegal intrusion into Wah Umkhrah, especially as no action was taken against the encroachers, the hotel and petrol pump owners, who obviously are patronized by political forces. Yet river Wah Umkhrah continues to be squeezed by the parties having vested interests.

First and foremost, the question is, do these buildings comply with the Municipal laws on construction, which should ensure safety to the people around. These buildings have not incorporated building by-laws and do not have the structural strength to withstand an earthquake, especially that the entire Shillong area is prone to earthquake like the greatest quake in memory on June 12 in the year 1897. The question is therefore when such a shakeup revisits Shillong. Surely there would be havoc in the length and breadth of river Wah Umkhrah. Therefore there is a great risk in the buildings, intruding into the waters of Wah Umkhrah, during the monsoon and also when earthquakes occur.

The need of an Hour

The State Government should, therefore, take note on the vulnerability of these buildings, endangering human lives. It is most befitting that state Government conduct an enquiry commission or committee of how out of nowhere, these building has come up along the bank of the river Wah Umkhrah and that due penalties should be accorded. Enquiries should, therefore, be in-depth to include social vulnerability analysis, physical vulnerability and also especially environmental vulnerability. All these buildings especially concrete along the bank of Wah Umkhrah need physical vulnerability analysis. These structures are seen to be poorly maintained and need detailed structural analysis. The slum pockets in the course of the river have also to be removed accordingly, especially regarding the safety of the slum dwellers themselves. The river Wah Umkhrah is therefore presently exposed to different negative forces which have made the river only as drainage of the filth of the locality and also unauthorized human occupation along these banks.

Sumar Sing Sawian

To read the further articles please get your copy of Eastern Panorama August issue @http://www.magzter.com/IN/Hill-Publications/Eastern-Panorama/News/ or mail to contact @easternpanorama.in

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