SHILLONG, JUL 8: The Meghalaya government is pushing to set up scientific landfills in every district headquarters, with work already underway in Nongpoh and proposals being processed for Jowai, Tura, Williamnagar, Nongstoin and Khliehriat, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Wednesday.
Dhar said the Urban Affairs department has asked district CEOs and local MLAs to coordinate on identifying suitable sites for waste disposal facilities in their respective towns.
“As a department, from Urban Affairs I have already instructed all respected Chief Executive Officers and all the local MLAs who fall under the townships like Williamnagar, Jowai, Tura, Nongpoh and so on,” Dhar told reporters.
The Deputy CM said the state has sanctioned funds for Ri-Bhoi and construction has started.
“I am happy to inform you that for Nongpoh landfill we have already sanctioned Rs 5.80 crore and the work is under progress now,” he said.
“We are going towards Nongstoin, Williamnagar, Tura and Khliehriat also. I have already instructed my officers to work accordingly. It is better to have a landfill in every town and city.”
On the long-pending new landfill for Shillong at Nonghali, Dhar said the proposal is ready but has been held up due to a legal challenge.
“Actually we are ready to take a call on that. It is very unfortunate that one of the village residents has moved to court. So there is slightly an issue and due to this it has got stuck for Nonghali. So let us wait for that,” he said.
Asked about environmental safeguards, Dhar replied: “All concerns will be taken care of by the pollution act.”
For Jowai, Dhar said the process is “almost final” and the department is now working on mandatory clearances.
“Now we are preparing all the necessary processes from the respective departments. First of all we should get NOC from the respective village or the elaka where the exact place falls. After that we have to get clearance from the pollution board. And when everything is completed we will go for a public hearing,” he said.
He added that 3-4 potential sites have been identified, but the final location will only be disclosed after feasibility studies and public consultation to avoid resistance.
“We have identified three-four places but we are yet to finalize which one is feasible. I don’t want to tell where it is because so many people want to resist. So let us wait. Finally they will know when we have to conduct a public hearing,” Dhar said.
The Deputy CM stressed that all new facilities will comply with national norms.
“All proposed landfills will be scientific, otherwise NGT will not allow,” he said.
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