News: Meghalaya’s Umngot River is in news as soil dumping into a feeder rivulet turned its crystal-clear waters muddy, prompting government intervention.
About Umngot River
- It also called Dawki River or Wah Umngot.
- Origin: It originates from the Eastern Shillong Peak, which is located 1,800 m above sea level.
- Location : It flows through Dawki in West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya.
- It is widely considered the cleanest river in India,
- It is famous for its incredibly clear and transparent water that makes boats appear to be floating in the air.
- It acts as a natural divide between Jaintia and Khasi hills, before finally flowing into Bangladesh.
- It runs along the India–Bangladesh border;
- Tributary of: Downstream in Bangladesh, the Umngot feeds the Piyain River, a tributary of the Surma.
- Suspension bridge: The Dawki Suspension Bridge over the Umngot was built in 1932 (British era).
- Significance : The Umngot River supports tourism, local livelihoods, and fishing, while Dawki town on its bank serves as a trade route between India and Bangladesh.
