The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
Mining activities, sewage discharge, and dams and diversions are all major threats to the health of Meghalaya’s rivers.
Mining activities can pollute rivers with sediment, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Sewage discharge can introduce pathogens and other pollutants into rivers. Dams and diversions can alter the flow of rivers, which can disrupt ecosystems and reduce the availability of water for drinking, irrigation, and other uses.
The combined effects of these threats are having a devastating impact on Meghalaya’s rivers. Many rivers are now heavily polluted, and some have even dried up. This is having a major impact on the people and ecosystems that depend on these rivers.
There are a number of things that can be done to protect Meghalaya’s rivers. These include:
- Reducing pollution from mining activities
- Treating sewage before it is discharged into rivers
- Building dams and diversions in a way that minimizes their impact on rivers
- Raising awareness about the importance of protecting rivers
By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that Meghalaya’s rivers remain healthy and vibrant for future generations.
Here are some additional details about each of the threats to Meghalaya’s rivers:
- Pollution from mining activities: Mining activities can pollute rivers with sediment, heavy metals, and other contaminants. This can harm fish and other aquatic life, and make the water unsafe for drinking or irrigation.
- Sewage discharge: Sewage discharge can introduce pathogens and other pollutants into rivers. This can cause waterborne diseases, and make the water unsafe for swimming or fishing.
- Dams and diversions: Dams and diversions can alter the flow of rivers. This can disrupt ecosystems, reduce the availability of water for drinking, irrigation, and other uses, and make rivers more susceptible to flooding.