Shillong, Feb 2: Machines that were installed to separate the bio-degradable wastes and non-bio-degradable wastes and incinerators for burning medical wastes have not been made functional at the dumping yard in Marten, Mawiong.

This was claimed by the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) in their representation to the Minister in charge of Urban Affairs and Municipal Administration, Sniawbhalang Dhar.

Speaking to Hub News, general secretary of FKJGP Dundee Cliff Khongsit said, “The machines were installed last year. There at the marten, we found that the installation of the machines was completed. It all depends on the department to send people to be trained by the company for a period of 6 months”.

He also informed that the installation of the incinerator is also complete and all that remains is on the department to start the operations.

Khongsit said that the people are apprehensive of giving away their land because they are not convinced that the foul smell would be absent.

It may be mentioned that the government is facing opposition from residents with regard to shifting the dumping yard.

The organization has urged the minister to direct the concerned authorities to start operating the machines to ensure that there is no foul smell emanating from the marten.

The FKJGP went on to say that the drivers of the garbage trucks burn the medical wastes themselves to which the organization said that it is dangerous to their health.