Meghalaya’s Crystal-Clear Emerald Dawki River Is Now Muddy, Locals Concerned. Delhiites Say ‘Mitti Hai Baith Jayega’

For years, Meghalaya has been a quiet escape, loved by travellers who prefer nature over noise. Its green hills, calm villages, living root bridges and peaceful cliffs have always offered a different kind

of charm. Unlike other crowded tourist places in India, Meghalaya has held on to its slow, soothing beauty.

But now, the state is in the spotlight for an unexpected reason. The Umngot River in Dawki, known for its glass-clear water, is changing fast. In the last few weeks, videos showing its muddy and cloudy water have spread online, leaving travellers shocked and locals worried.

Many families in the region depend on the river for their livelihood, and the sudden change has caused real fear among them.

Video Shows Dawki’s Clear Water Turning Muddy

The video begins with a man recording the river and saying, “Ye haal hai Dawki River ka. Aur iska aisa rang hone ka reason bas ek hi hai, yahan pe construction chal raha hai. Yahan pe bridge banega. Is pahad se lekar yahan tak connect hoga.”

He then shows the distance and adds, “Ye jo aap dekh rahe ho, ye jo saara ganda aur saari mitti hai, wo basically poori river mein aa gaya. Aur jo pehle kitna clean tha, kitna saaf tha, woh ab itna hi ganda ho gaya hai.”

The caption posted with the video explains that a major construction project is currently underway near the river, where a new bridge is being built. Due to this work, large amounts of mud and loose soil are flowing straight into the Umngot, turning the once crystal-clear river brown and murky.

The caption also mentions that locals believe it could take up to 2 to 3 years for Dawki to get back its original emerald colour.

In addition, the creator of the post urges travellers not to skip Dawki, saying that the place is still beautiful, the people are still warm, and the boatmen need visitors now more than ever. The caption adds, “Just come with the mindset to respect the river and spread awareness, not just chase aesthetics.”

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However, according to NDTV, the claim that Dawki will remain closed for the next two to three years is false. The river is still open, and boat rides are continuing as usual, even though the water currently looks muddy.

Online Reactions Highlight Growing Concern

The video, posted on November 25, has already crossed 7 lakh views and drawn many responses. Some people said that “mitti chalega bhai lekin plastic nahi,” while others expressed disappointment, recalling how Dawki once looked “transparent.”

Several users tried to calm the situation, saying “chill guys mitti hai baith jayega kuch dino baad,” and one even reminded everyone to keep the area clean by commenting, “bridge banne ke bad bridge se koi gandagi naa feke.”

Locals Blame Nearby Construction Work

Reports say that the sudden discolouration has created an “economic emergency” for families across Dawki, Shnongpdeng and Darrang. Many on the internet believe the issue is linked to the road construction on the Shillong-Dawki route.

Locals reportedly claim heavy dumping of soil, excavation activities and hill cutting have increased loose mud around the river. They add that even light rain washes large amounts of silt into the Umngot and its tributaries, especially near the new bridge site.