A panel of experts in Shillong warns that the Umkhrah river has transformed from a sacred life
Shillong, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: A multi-disciplinary panel of experts, including folklorists, environmental engineers, and constitutional members, gathered this week at Synod College, Shillong, to address the “paradox” of the Umkhrah river, warning that the waterway has transitioned from a sacred life-source to a biological dead zone. The programme was initiated by the Society for Culture & Folklore in collaboration with Synod College.
The discussion, framed through the lenses of “Memory, Meaning, and Management,” painted a stark picture of a river where dissolved oxygen levels have plummeted to “nil,” effectively ending all aquatic life. This alarming decline in water quality reflects broader environmental degradation issues that have been increasingly prevalent in urban areas across India, particularly in regions experiencing rapid development and industrialization.
The Umkhrah river, once a vibrant ecosystem and a vital resource for local communities, has suffered from decades of neglect and pollution. Historically, the river has held immense cultural significance for the Khasi people, serving not only as a source of water but also as a symbol of their identity and heritage. The degradation of the river thus represents not just an environmental crisis, but also a profound cultural loss.
The discussion was moderated by Dr Ellereen Diengdoh, a teacher at St Mary’s College, who opened with a nostalgic look at the river’s historical identity and questioned especially those in Government how they could turn a blind eye to the pathetic state of the river. Dr. Diengdoh's remarks resonated with many attendees, who shared a collective sense of grief over the river's deterioration and frustration over governmental inaction.
Author and academic Prof Esther Syiem described the Umkhrah not as a mere geographical feature, but as a “literary landscape.” She recounted her grandmother’s memories of walking barefoot across the river when it iced over in winter—a phenomenon now entirely absent due to urbanization and climate shifts. Syiem warned that the river is the “sub-consciousness” of the community; to lose it is to lose the collective shadow of the people. Her reflections highlight the deep interconnections between the environment and cultural identity, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to environmental conservation that respects local traditions and knowledge.
NEHU professor and world-renowned folklorist Desmond L Kharmawphlang expanded on this, describing the river as a “living participant” and a “moral authority” in the Khasi worldview. He argued that the current degradation is a form of “cultural biocide,” noting that the Khasi language itself—rich in onomatopoeia—is technically incomplete without the sound of the river. Kharmawphlang lamented that the once “symbiotic relationship” between the people and the water has become “parasitic.” This shift is indicative of a broader trend where industrialization and urban expansion have led to the exploitation of natural resources, often at the expense of local communities and ecosystems.
Fecal Matter and Total Apathy
Editor of The Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim, provided a grim reality check, detailing the physical state of the tributaries. During recent cleaning drives organized by Operation Clean-Up, volunteers recovered liquor bottles, medical waste, and even household furniture. “We are building sanctuaries for ourselves and a sewer for our children,” she said, highlighting a societal “OCD” where Khasi homes are obsessively clean while public waterways are treated as open toilets. Mukhim's observations underscore the disconnect between private cleanliness and public neglect, raising questions about societal values and responsibilities toward communal resources.
The veteran journalist directed heavy criticism toward institutional silence, specifically questioning why local churches and academics remain mute as boulders and sand are sold off and the river is “murdered” by greed. This criticism points to a larger issue of accountability and advocacy, suggesting that various stakeholders, including religious and educational institutions, have a role to play in environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Scientific Data: A River on the Brink
Wanshanbor R Kharkrang, Chief Environmental Engineer (CEE) at the State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), confirmed the catastrophic data. Since monitoring began in the 1990s, the primary pollutant has been identified as untreated household sewage (fecal matter) flowing directly into the river. Currently, the Umkhrah is ranked as the 45th most polluted river in India. This ranking places the river among the most severely affected waterways in the country, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and remediation.
Kharkrang argued that while laboratory reports and fines are issued, the “sense of belonging” is missing. He noted that modern engineering often ignores traditional wisdom, with beautiful houses being built directly over drains without proper septic infrastructure. This disconnect between modern development practices and traditional ecological knowledge can exacerbate environmental problems, leading to unsustainable practices that harm both the environment and local communities.
The Legal Framework and Implementation Gaps
Representing the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Executive Member Matthew Kenneth Makdoh defended the Council’s legislative efforts, outlining four critical laws aimed at restoration:
However, Makdoh admitted a significant financial roadblock: funds from the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions are currently funneled through the State’s Urban Affairs Department rather than the KHADC, leaving local headmen without the resources to implement these laws. “The tools are not missing,” Latham stated. “What was missing is consistency and utilizing them.” This situation illustrates the challenges faced by local governments in enforcing environmental regulations and highlights the need for better resource allocation and support for grassroots initiatives aimed at environmental conservation.
A Call for Social Accountability
The panel concluded with a plea to reform the educational curriculum through the New Education Policy (NEP) to include social awareness and environmental accountability. The moderator warned the audience that while citizens may scrub their floors clean at home, they will soon no longer recognize themselves in the “murky waters” of their own river. This statement serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of individual actions and collective outcomes, urging community members to take an active role in protecting their environment.
The experts collectively called for an immediate end to the “subscription fee” model of pollution, where fines act as a license to continue environmental degradation, and urged a return to the traditional ethic of stewardship. This call to action emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of responsibility and care for the environment, challenging the prevailing notion that financial penalties are sufficient to address environmental harm.
Students of the department recited poems by Victor G Bareh and Esther Syiem that rued the slow but sure violations happening on the Umkhrah River and its tributaries. These recitations served as a poignant reminder of the cultural and emotional connections that individuals have with their environment, reinforcing the need for collective action to restore the Umkhrah to its former glory. In conclusion, the discussion at Synod College not only highlighted the urgent need for environmental action but also underscored the importance of integrating cultural, historical, and ecological perspectives in addressing the challenges faced by the Umkhrah river and similar ecosystems across the region.
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