Central Idea

A recent case involving Umiam Lake in Meghalaya highlights the delicate balance between economic growth and ecological preservation in Northeast India.

Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake, locally known as Dam Sait, is a reservoir situated in the hills 15 km (9.3 mi) north of Shillong in Meghalaya, India.
The lake was created by damming the Umiam River during the early 1960s.
The principal catchment area of the lake and dam spans over 225 square km.
The Umiam Dam was constructed by the Assam State Electricity Board primarily for hydroelectric power generation.
The Umiam Stage I powerhouse, located north of the lake, consists of four 9-MW turbine generators that began operating in 1965.
It was the first reservoir-storage hydroelectric project commissioned in the northeastern region of India.

PIL on Cleanliness: The Meghalaya High Court heard a PIL concerning Umiam Lake’s cleanliness, emphasizing the need to protect natural beauty amid development.
Guidelines Insufficiency: The court noted that the Meghalaya Waterbodies Guidelines did not address the pressing issue of unchecked construction around waterbodies.

Biodiverse Region: Northeast India boasts abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals, and fresh water. It features vital biodiversity hotspots like the Garo-Khasi-Jaintia hills and the Brahmaputra valley.
Environmental Challenges: Despite being industrially underdeveloped, deforestation, floods, and existing industries threaten the region’s fragile ecosystem.

Environmental Laws: India has formulated several environmental laws, particularly in the 1980s. Offences against the environment are treated as “public nuisance” under sections of the Indian Penal Code.
District Council Autonomy: The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution grants District Councils autonomy, limiting state authority over matters like land use. This lack of regulation impacts land preservation around water bodies.

Environmental Litigation: PILs and judicial activism under Articles 32 and 226 have led to impactful environmental litigation, imposing penalties and guidelines.
National Green Tribunal: The National Green Tribunal imposed heavy fines on states like Meghalaya and Manipur for illegal mining and improper waste management.

Negative List in NEIDS: The North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) incorporates a “Negative List,” excluding entities without compliance with environmental standards from incentives.
Holistic Policy Approach: The “Act Fast for Northeast” policy should encompass both trade and commerce and the preservation of the environment to achieve balanced development.
Need for Comprehensive Legislation: A uniform and comprehensive environmental legislation that addresses environmental concerns at all levels of governance is crucial.

The delicate balance between development and environmental preservation is crucial for Northeast India’s future.
Sustainable policies, strict enforcement of guidelines, and holistic development approaches are vital to ensure the region’s rich ecology thrives alongside economic growth.