The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has imposed a penalty of Rs 31.25 lakh on the Chief Engineer (NH), Public Works Department (PWD) for environmental violations linked to the Jowai Bypass Road project in West Jaintia Hills. The fine was imposed under Section 33A of the Water Act and Section 31A of the Air Act, read with the Central Pollution Control Board’s methodology for assessment of environmental compensation. The violations were found during inspections conducted by a Joint Committee constituted under the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The committee, headed by MSPCB member secretary George Hagi Chyrmang, submitted its “action taken” report to the tribunal on April 24 in compliance with earlier orders dated February 4 and March 11, 2026. According to an affidavit filed before the tribunal, MSPCB Chairman R. Nainamalai, stated that an inspection carried out on February 23, 2026, found that the construction of the Jowai Bypass with paved shoulder connecting NH-40E and NH-44 had resulted in violations of environmental norms. The affidavit stated that such violations were in contravention of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, as well as directions issued by the NGT and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The amount is to be remitted within 30 days through a demand draft or banker’s cheque in favour of the member secretary, MSPCB. Notably, a petition was earlier filed by environmentalist Khroo L. Pariat of Jowai, who alleged ecological damage caused by road construction activities. According to the complainant, the construction along the hills adjoining the Myntdu river has led to indiscriminate dumping of muck and debris into the river and surrounding agricultural fields, damaging river ecology and affecting aquatic life, flora and fauna. The Myntdu river, which originates from Mihmyntdu village near Jowai, is a major river in the Jaintia region. It flows around Jowai town before entering Bangladesh and serves as a crucial water source for residents, supports irrigation, and holds economic, cultural and religious importance.