Meghalaya, a state long celebrated for its green valleys, living root bridges, and serene villages, has recently gained increasing attention from travellers. Domestic tourist arrivals hit 16 lakh in 2024, while international visitors exceeded 2 lakh, showing a remarkable 700% growth in the state’s tourism sector. Social media has amplified interest in Meghalaya, drawing attention to its lesser-known attractions and routes.

Yet, this rise in tourism comes at a critical time for the Umngot River, renowned for its strikingly clear waters in Dawki, Shnongpdeng, and Darrang. This year, the river has turned murky, alarming both locals and visitors. Viral videos of the discoloured waters have intensified fears, especially for communities that depend almost entirely on tourism for income.

Alan West Kharkongor, president of the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum (MRTF), explained the economic impact, “Business is down almost 80 per cent. Bookings are being cancelled left and right. People come here for crystal-clear water; when it is polluted, they simply don’t come.” Tourism around Umngot had transformed October to April, once considered off-season, into a bustling period due to the river’s clarity, attracting photographers, vloggers, and adventure seekers.

Many locals attribute the river’s condition to ongoing construction on the Shillong-Dawki corridor, managed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Earthworks, hill-cutting, and soil dumping are believed to have caused silt to enter the river. A local tour operator confirmed: “Whenever there is rain, all the dust and dirt from the construction falls into the river.”

Kharkongor urged authorities to investigate thoroughly, “One tributary passing through the construction zone, called Umngot only, connects straight into the main river. That is why they have to check properly.” Earlier, the Meghalaya Pollution Control Board (MPSCB) fined NHIDCL Rs 15 lakh for alleged violations contributing to pollution. Joint inspections involving MPSCB, NHIDCL engineers, and contractors took place in October and November.

Officials acknowledge the challenge. A senior NHIDCL representative said the ongoing bridge project over the river, 400 metres long at a height of 100 metres, is complex. The project monitoring unit is preparing a detailed report and investigating if construction or other factors caused the discolouration.

Political representatives are also involved. Ricky Syngkon, Shillong MP from the Voice of the People Party (VPP), wrote to Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Bhupender Yadav, stating, “The Umngot river, a symbol of Meghalaya’s pristine natural heritage and a major tourism asset, has tragically turned muddy and lifeless this October.” He highlighted local concerns about massive soil dumping and debris during construction operations.

Local cabinet minister Lahkmen Rymbui confirmed the government’s response: “The Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has communicated with the NHIDCL to take measures to curb this.” The MPSCB has directed that construction debris be removed from the river and proper soil containment measures be followed.

Tourism Slumps as Umngot River Turns Murky

Tourism operators report a worrying decline in visitors. Some tourists are avoiding Dawki entirely, while others skip boat rides due to the river’s murky appearance. Kharkongor emphasised the stakes for the local economy: “People should have been earning a decent income from the crystal clear water. If the water stays dirty, we lose everything we built.”

For hundreds of families reliant on homestays, boating, camping, and local shops, the river’s clarity is the lifeline. Without urgent and coordinated intervention monitoring construction, regulating soil disposal, and restoring tributaries the Umngot River’s reputation and the livelihoods it supports could suffer long-term damage.

As Meghalaya enjoys growing attention as a tourism hotspot, protecting its most iconic natural treasure has become an urgent priority.