Day 21 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026
Its waters are so crystal-clear that the riverbed is entirely visible. When sunlight strikes the surface, boats appear to float in mid-air, as though “flying” rather than resting on water.
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| Image courtesy: The Seven Sister |
BRIDGE BETWEEN NATIONS
Beyond its visual magic, the Umngot serves as a vital trade route between India and Bangladesh. Flowing through the town of Dawki, which lies on the international border, the river even marks an unofficial boundary between the two countries.
The river is also home to the historic Dawki Bridge, a suspension bridge built in 1932 that continues to attract visitors. For the local community though the Umngot is more than a tourist attraction: it is a prime fishing ground and the backbone of an economy sustained by boating, homestays and handicrafts.
WATER TURNS MUDDY
In recent years, the river’s reputation for pristine clarity has suffered. Reports say sections of the water have turned muddy and brown, attributed to construction debris and soil from the Shillong–Tamabil road expansion project being dumped into the river system.
Local leaders and environmentalists have sounded the alarm, warning that such pollution threatens the very image of the “flying boats”. Lawmakers have appealed to both the State and Union governments to take steps to ensure that the dumping of waste is stopped.
There is a precedent for successful public action: in 2021, a proposed 210 MW hydroelectric dam was scrapped following massive protests. This has raised hopes that authorities will intervene once again.
For now, the perception of boats gliding as if suspended in air stays. One only hopes it remains that way.
(Infomation sources: NDTV, Wikipedia)
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