The Meghalaya High Court in the case Thomas Passah vs State of Meghalaya & Ors observed and has directed the State Government for taking the immediate action in order to regulate the exorbitant rates which are charged by water tankers supplying water to different parts of the capital city, Shillong. The said court emphasized the need for both short-term and long-term plans to meet the current and the future water demands, wherein projecting 20 years ahead.
The bench comprising of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh in the case observed wherein the status report has been filed by the State, addressing the water supply situation in Shillong.
The petitioner in the plea submitted that the rejoinder, highlighting the pressing issue of overcharging by water tankers and calling for stringent regulation. It has also been acknowledged by the said court the gravity of the problem and stressed the necessity of reining in these excessive rates promptly.
The bench in the case observed and has also emphasized the importance of cleaning and rejuvenating water bodies in and around Shillong. Therefore, the sad court also highlighted the significance of restoring rivers and streams that may have been choked or contaminated for ensuring the responsible management of these water bodies, thus, the court assigned the District Council the responsibility of overseeing the actions of the local population residing near them.
Further, the court also pointed out the availability of Central government projects with sufficient funds, particularly for the North-Eastern states, which the State government in the case can utilize for enhancing the water supply situation. Therefore, the said court also instructed the State for submitting a comprehensive affidavit within two weeks, encompassing all these aspects.
The court also directed the State that its fresh affidavit should indicate the outlines of Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme, which includes the possibility of identifying additional reservoir sites apart from Mawphlang.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter to be next heard on July 21, 2023.
