{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Central Intervention Sought to Protect Shillong Peak Forests and Historic Springs as Conservation Campaign Gains Momentum",
  "summary": "Former Meghalaya Chief Secretary Barkos Warjri has appealed to the Union Environment Ministry to safeguard Shillong Peak's protected forests and century-old water supply network.",
  "content": "Mounting concerns over the preservation of vital water networks and rich natural habitats have prompted a call for urgent federal action in Meghalaya. Barkos Warjri, former Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, has formally approached the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, seeking comprehensive safeguards for the forest tracts along Shillong Peak. Emphasizing that this reserve serves as both an ecological refuge and a drinking water foundation for the state capital, he underscored the need to prevent any damage to this heritage landscape.\n\nA Century-Old Gravity Water Network That Still Serves the City\nExplaining the historical significance of the upland water catchments, Barkos Warjri noted that the springs emerging from Shillong Peak once fulfilled the water requirements of the entire urban settlement. It was only about 30 years ago that authorities added the Umiam River, also referred to as Umiam Mawphlang, under the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme to supplement urban provisions. He pointed out that these upland sources had long delivered pristine, uncontaminated drinking water across the hill station.\n\nThe infrastructure collecting this water dates back to the colonial era, when engineers constructed storage chambers using porous sandstone masonry. Water filtered naturally through the permeable stone blocks into sheltered reservoirs protected by sturdy roofs, after which dedicated distribution conduits conveyed it downhill. Major holding installations were established at strategically located neighborhoods, notably at Lachaumiere and at the primary commercial hub of Iewduh.\n\nDurable Engineering Operating Without Daily Repairs\nRemarkably, this engineering network has remained operational for roughly 120 years without demanding routine servicing. The piping was carefully aligned along gradual inclines to eliminate air pockets and guarantee uninterrupted gravitational flow. Even today, several established residential sectors continue to receive their water from these historic springs, including Malki, Nongthymmai, Lachaumiere, the vicinity surrounding Tripura Castle, and the perimeter of Raj Bhavan.\n\nWildlife Haven and Fragile Upland Ecosystem\nBeyond its municipal utility, the reserve forest covering the slopes of Shillong Peak shelters diverse fauna and plant life. Recounting an excursion into the hills, Barkos Warjri described observing a pair of black pheasants within the wooded terrain. The reserve also functions as a sanctuary and transit corridor for multiple bird varieties, wild cats, and flying foxes.\n\nPlant life on the peak adds seasonal vibrancy to the landscape, particularly during April when blossoming rhododendron branches carpet the forest floor in deep crimson. He observed that the woodland provides essential environmental balance while enhancing the aesthetic character of the surrounding hills.\n\nCitizens Urged to Join the Save Lum Shillong Initiative\nStressing that this unique natural and historical legacy must not be sacrificed, Barkos Warjri appealed to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to prohibit any destructive activities within the catchment basin. Alongside his representation to policymakers, he invited the wider community to support the cause by contributing their signatures to the ongoing Save Lum Shillong movement to secure long-term protection for the peak.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThe push to protect the Shillong Peak reserve directly safeguards local clean water access while shielding a sensitive Himalayan foothill biome.\n\n• Across India: Preserving gravity-fed colonial hydrological networks highlights the lasting utility of low-impact, heritage water systems across highland regions. It serves as a reminder for planners nationwide to protect catchment zones rather than relying solely on energy-intensive pumping projects.\n• In Shillong: Residents across Nongthymmai, Malki, Lachaumiere, and the Raj Bhavan area rely on these ancient gravity lines for daily drinking supplies. Any deterioration of the catchment forest could jeopardize the uninterrupted delivery of untreated, naturally pure spring water to these neighborhoods.\n• For Local Ecology: Safeguarding the peak ensures that black pheasants, flying foxes, and wild cats retain their natural shelter and migration corridors. It also guarantees that the seasonal bloom of rhododendron woods continues to sustain regional biodiversity.\n• For Civic Action: Community members can actively participate in conservation by signing the ongoing Save Lum Shillong petition. Public backing strengthens the formal representation submitted to federal environment authorities.\n\nWhy this happened\nThe appeal to protect Shillong Peak stems from mounting concerns over potential degradation of an irreplaceable ecological and municipal water asset. A formal representation was made to federal authorities to secure official intervention before the heritage site suffers irreversible damage.\n\n• Immediate Trigger: Former Chief Secretary Barkos Warjri formally petitioned the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to safeguard Shillong Peak. He cited the urgent need to halt the destruction of a landscape holding profound historical and environmental value.\n• Historical Water Reliance: Prior to the introduction of the Umiam River under the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme three decades ago, the peak's springs met the entire city's drinking requirements. Because century-old pipelines still actively serve several key neighborhoods, safeguarding the catchment remains functionally critical.\n• Ecological Vulnerability: The peak accommodates diverse species, including black pheasants, flying foxes, and wild cats, alongside seasonal rhododendron woods. Increasing environmental pressures in the highlands threaten to fragment this established habitat if strict conservation protocols are not enforced.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Who has appealed for the protection of Shillong Peak forests?\nFormer Meghalaya Chief Secretary Barkos Warjri has appealed to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.\n\n2. How old is the water distribution network at Shillong Peak?\nThe gravity-fed water supply network is approximately 120 years old and dates back to the British period.\n\n3. Which localities in Shillong still receive water from these springs?\nNongthymmai, Malki, Lachaumiere, areas around Tripura Castle, and the vicinity of Raj Bhavan continue to receive water from these springs.\n\n4. Which river was added to supplement Shillong's water supply 30 years ago?\nThe Umiam River, also known as Umiam Mawphlang, was introduced under the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme.\n\n5. What wildlife species inhabit the slopes of Shillong Peak?\nThe reserve forest serves as a habitat for black pheasants, various bird species, flying foxes, and wild cats.\n\n6. What public campaign has been launched to support this cause?\nCitizens have been urged to add their signatures to the Save Lum Shillong campaign to protect the peak.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/meghalaya/shillong-peak-ke-jngalon-aura-jala-sroton-ko-bachane-ke-lie-kendra-sarakara-se-guhara-barkos-warjri-ne-shuru-ki-muhima-46725",
  "category": "Meghalaya",
  "publishedAt": "2026-10-12",
  "tags": [
    "Shillong Peak",
    "Meghalaya",
    "Barkos Warjri",
    "Water Conservation",
    "Save Lum Shillong",
    "Environment Protection"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}