If the Green tribunal’s decision to ban sand mining can prevail over the peculiar land tenure system in Meghalaya, the threat to the water reservoirs in the state can be effectively safeguard. Water reservoirs in the state have come under threat from stone and sand quarrying along their sources and the government’s attempts to regulate the boulders and sand mining has come to a naught. This is because of the land tenure system because the Government laws have no say on the land owned by individuals and clans. “These are the constraints and the end results is the eventual threat on the water supply reservoirs located in the outskirts of Shillong, Jowai and Tura”, stated the Chief Engineer of the Public health Engineering (PHE) SK Sun during an interaction with The Sentinel on Tuesday. Citing the case of the Greater Shillong water supply project (GSWSP)at Mawphlang, Sun said that the amount of damage caused by quarrying and sand mining has not only affected the quality and quantity of the water but a bigger threat is the strong possibility that it might not last up to the predicted age of 75 years. The GSWP is supposed to generate 24 million gallons per day to feed the four growing centres within Shillong conglomerate. Referring to similar type of developments along the waters sources of Myntdu river in Jaintia river and Ganol river in West Garo Hills, the Chief Engineer of PHE said, “If some corrective measures has been taken by the district administration in Jaintia Hills, similar mechanism should followed in Garo hills. Notwithstanding the preventive measures, Sun still fear that the green tribunal might not have an impact in the state. “ A recommendation made by the task force as per the Meghalya protection of catchments area act;1992 has failed to yield anything substantial to check stone and sand quarrying along the stretches of river Umiew,” stated Sun, adding, “Again, It is because the declaration of any land as catchments areas needed the consent of the land owners”. Asked on his take on the green tribunal verdict, Sun, “I am happy about the news but I will be happier if the government implements it.”