Tura, June 24: In an effort to mitigate the environmental impact caused by the accumulation of debris at the Ganol dam site, authorities have initiated a clean-up operation. Led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) of West Garo Hills (WGH), Jagdish Chelani, the operation aims to clear the site and restore its pristine condition.
Approximately 65 personnel from various teams, including the municipality board, SRDF team, block staff, and project staff from the dam site are actively involved in the clean-up process. The teams are working diligently to remove the debris that has flowed downstream from the upper stretch of the Ganol river and accumulated at the dam site of the Ganol Hydro Electric Project.
“We have a timeline of around 72 hours for the cleanup to be completed,” stated Deputy Commissioner Chelani. However, he noted that inclement weather conditions may impede progress. Nevertheless, the teams remain optimistic that the clean-up process will be accomplished as swiftly as possible.
To ensure effective waste management, the collected garbage will be transported to the dumping yard.
In response to the excessive garbage dumping witnessed upstream, the district administration has also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the Rongram Bazaar Committee. The DC said the measure is to remind all market committees and involved parties that the upkeep of river streams is a crucial responsibility, and negligence in this regard may lead to criminal charges.
Emphasizing safety, the clean-up teams have been equipped with raincoats, gum boots, gloves, and other necessary protective gear. Fiber boats are being utilized to gather and consolidate the garbage for removal.
Addressing concerns regarding downstream water usage for Tura town, Deputy Commissioner Chelani assured the public that trash racks within the canoe site effectively prevent the discharge of any garbage downstream. Furthermore, the water undergoes filtration and treatment by the PHE (Public Health Department) before being supplied to downstream areas.
He further expressed optimism that the operation will be completed within the next 3-4 days. In the meantime, he said efforts have been made to raise public awareness about the need to prevent such incidents in the future. Plans are underway to implement long-term systems that will safeguard the city and district from similar occurrences, he added.
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 of West Garo Hills (WGH), Jagdish Chelani, the operation aims to clear the site and restore its pristine condition.){kind=link}