Maksam Tayeng
PASIGHAT : In a major step towards protecting the environment and preserving one of East Siang district’s most popular tourist corridors, the Mebo administration has prohibited littering and dumping of waste along the National Highway stretch between Raneghat and Pongging Viewpoint on the left bank of the Siang River.
The prohibitory order, issued by Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner Nancy Yirang on June 18 under the Eco-Clean Mebo Mission (ECMM) initiative, followed reports of indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste, bottles, food packets, construction debris and other garbage, causing environmental pollution, public nuisance and deterioration of the area’s scenic beauty.
The highway corridor from Raneghat Bridge over the Siang River to Bodak village is a popular destination for tourists and local residents for long drives, cycling, jogging, picnics and other recreational activities.
The administration said immediate preventive measures were necessary to preserve the area’s natural beauty, environmental sustainability and public hygiene.
According to the order, throwing, depositing or dumping any form of waste along the highway, adjoining roadsides, drains, viewpoints and other public places is strictly prohibited. Visitors have been directed to retain waste inside their vehicles or dispose of it only at designated waste collection points.
The Circle Officer of Mebo, Officer-in-Charge of Mebo Police Station, village authorities of Ayeng and Bodak, Panchayat members and volunteers of the Eco-Clean Mebo Mission have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order through regular monitoring, inspections and enforcement drives.
The administration has warned that violators will face legal action, including fines, prosecution and other penalties under applicable laws. Members of the ECMM, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and village volunteers have also been tasked with conducting awareness campaigns on responsible waste disposal and environmental conservation.
The order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.
The Eco-Clean Mebo Mission is a community-driven initiative covering 17 villages in Mebo subdivision to promote environmental conservation, cleanliness, eco-tourism, sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity protection.
Spearheaded by Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, the mission is implemented with the support of the local administration led by Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner Nancy Yirang and ECMM Manager Olen Megu Damin. Besides promoting sanitation and waste management, the initiative supports village-specific livelihood projects, including floriculture, areca nut cultivation, bird-watching tourism, cultivation of indigenous fruits, conservation of native fish species and wildlife protection, with the objective of developing Mebo into a model eco-tourism destination while ensuring sustainable rural development.
