Shillong, Mar 7: Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday informed that the government is trying to acquire approximately 200 acres of land in Kyrdem village, Ri Bhoi for setting up of the waste disposal project (landfill).

Replying to a query raised by AITC legislator from Umroi George B. Lyngdoh in the Assembly, the Minister said a public hearing was held on January 8 and a presentation on the details of the proposed project was highlighted to the public of the area.

However, there are few groups who are opposed to the proposed waste disposal project and the final report on the matter is awaited from the Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, he added.

He, however, assured that the government will not go against the wishes of the people. “Any decision taken by the government will be after taking the people on board,” he said. “Therefore, the detailed project report (DPR) will be finalized once everything is okay,” Dhar added.

The assurance was made after Lyngdoh had expressed concern over the failure of the department to conduct proper survey which has created a lot chaos among the people of the area since there are many streams and water sources surrounding the proposed land to be acquired by the government.

He also requested the department to take the local MLAs into consideration before implementing such important projects. According to him, he was caught unaware until residents of the area sought for his intervention.

Garbage disposal issue at Jowai 

Suspended Congress legislator from Mawlai Process T Sawkmie cited the prevailing situation at Jowai town in West Jaintia Hills due to absence of permanent landfill and urged the government to address the garbage disposal issue.

To this, the minister said that the government is serious about the issue and that having a new landfill is very important. “Therefore, we are trying our best to have new landfills at the earliest possible,” he added.

Stating that acquisition of land for landfill is a common phenomena, AITC leader and Nongthymmai legislator Charles Pyngrope suggested the need for the government to explain that landfills are not dangerous or detrimental to the environment and whatever disposed there will be treated as per the required norms.