‘Keepers of Umngot’ : Villagers unite to protect Asia’s cleanest river

March 31, 2025

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Shillong, March 31: For over three years, the residents of Samanong (West Jaiñtia Hills), Umsawar and Ksangrngi (East Khasi Hills) have voluntarily taken it upon themselves to protect the Umngot River, ensuring its waters remain pristine and its aquatic life thrives.

Dubbed the “keepers of Umngot,” these villagers, along with local anglers, have enforced strict measures to curb illegal fishing and exploitation of the river’s resources.

Originating from the foothills of Shillong Peak, the Umngot River flows through a canyon dividing the East Khasi Hills and West Jaiñtia Hills districts, forming a natural boundary between them. However, in the past, this section of the river suffered from unchecked mass fishing practices that severely impacted its aquatic ecosystem.

On March 29, the headmen of the three villages, along with local anglers and male representatives, convened on the riverbanks to reaffirm their commitment to conservation. The meeting, chaired by Sephin Nongrum, Sordar Shnong of Umsawar, upheld the resolutions passed in their previous meeting on May 16, 2024, at Khwarardong. The villagers reiterated their ban on illegal fishing methods, including the use of explosives, chemicals, lime, and mass-killing nets, across the Shka Umtalu to Shka Mawiang/Diengrod stretch of the river. However, fishing with rods and the traditional ‘sasi’ net remains permitted.

A significant decision taken at the meeting was increasing the penalty for illegal fishing from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000. The villagers believe stricter enforcement is necessary to deter violators and safeguard the river’s rich biodiversity.

The impact of their efforts is already visible. Liios Suting, Waheh Chnong of Samanong and co-chair of the meeting, noted that the fish population has grown significantly, a change noticeable even to the naked eye. Real Sing Muksor, a fisherman from Moosakhia village, shared that he sustains his livelihood through fishing in the river, emphasizing the importance of its conservation for the local economy.

The villagers have now called for wider cooperation from other communities along the Umngot, urging the Deputy Commissioners of both districts, the SDO of Amlarem, and the BDOs of Thadlaskein and Mawkynrew to support their conservation mission. They have also appealed to village headmen from Sohmynting, Moosakhia, Mupyut, Chkenpyrsit, and Chkentalang to join hands in protecting the upstream section of Asia’s cleanest river.