KHLIEHRIAT, FEB 26:
Public pressure has compelled authorities to act after residents raised serious concerns over a toxic sewage leak allegedly emanating from Khliehriat Civil Hospital and affecting households in Khliehriat West village. The issue gained momentum after the Jaintia National Council (JNC) accused hospital authorities of ignoring repeated complaints regarding damaged drainage lines and leaking toilet tanks within the hospital premises.
Families living near the hospital, which serves as the main government healthcare facility in East Jaintia Hills, said the foul stench has made daily life unbearable, claiming that children can no longer play outside and families struggle to sit together for meals due to the constant smell. Residents also warned that the situation poses serious risks of waterborne and airborne diseases if not addressed immediately.
According to the JNC Khliehriat Circle, several complaints were earlier submitted to the Medical Superintendent, Dr A Lakiang, but no inspection was conducted and no repair work was initiated. JNC general secretary Symboh Baiar Sumer alleged that all their representations were met with silence and inaction, prompting the organisation to escalate the matter.
On February 25, the JNC submitted a formal petition to the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), Dr D Shylla, demanding urgent inspection and immediate corrective measures. Responding promptly, Dr Shylla ordered a joint inspection on Wednesday in the presence of JNC leaders and local village headmen, during which the severity of the sewage problem was reportedly confirmed.
Sumer stated that the inspection exposed what he described as a prolonged failure by the hospital administration to address the issue. Dr Shylla has assured that necessary directions will be issued to the Medical Superintendent to undertake repairs without delay.
The JNC has warned that it will closely monitor the follow-up action and has indicated that if the repairs are not carried out within a reasonable timeframe, the organisation is prepared to escalate the matter further through petitions to the Health Department, complaints before the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission, and public agitation. The group asserted that a government hospital should not become a source of health hazards for the very community it is meant to serve, emphasizing that residents deserve clean and safe living conditions.