Meghalaya: In a bid to promote environmental responsibility and legal awareness, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) of East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, organized a ‘Legal Awareness Programme cum Cleaning Drive on Environmental Laws’ on October 28 at Khohramhah, Sohra.
The event, held in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority and the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, aimed to educate the community on pollution prevention and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Key speakers included B. Jyrwa, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel/Nayaya Rakshak from Shillong, who addressed the “Penalty and Procedure of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.” Jyrwa discussed the significance of stringent measures against water pollution, underscoring the act’s role in safeguarding water quality and promoting sustainable practices.
S. Syiem, Environmental Engineer with the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, provided further insights into the regulatory responsibilities of the board under the Water Act. His talk highlighted how the board monitors pollution levels, implements control measures, and ensures compliance with environmental laws in Meghalaya.
The event also featured contributions from other speakers, including Redly Thabah, a paralegal volunteer from Shillong; P. Nongrum, advocate with the Shillong Bar Association; and Jerry Well War, headman of Laittyra village, all of whom emphasized the community’s role in maintaining environmental integrity and legal compliance.
The cleaning drive, which followed the awareness program, symbolized a hands-on commitment to environmental preservation, with participants working together to reinforce the program’s message of collective action in pollution prevention and environmental care.