Shillong, Mar 17: To meet the growing needs of urbanisation, the state government has launched a statewide drive to identify and acquire potential landfill sites while land survey has been completed for the Nonghali site near Shillong.
Environment clearance for the 112-acre landfill site at Nonghali is in progress, according to deputy chief minister in-charge Urban Affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar.
Accredited consultant has been appointed for preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)/Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and obtaining statutory environmental clearance for development of integrated scientific solid waste management facilities, Dhar said in reply to a question in the state assembly recently.
These facilities would cater to Shillong agglomeration and its peripherals.
Potential landfill sites for Tura, Williamnagar and Jowai townships have been identified at Wakkagre, Rongakgre, and Umalamat Elaka. EIA/EMP studies have been initiated in all the sites.
Meanwhile, proposals for landfill sites have been received for Resulbelpara, Baghmara, and Nongstoin, and Nongpoh.
The authorities concerned are still awaiting the reports of feasibility study of these potential sites.
Identification of land for landfill sites and floating for expression of interest are in progress for other urban local bodies as well, the minister informed.
Meanwhile, to improve solid waste collection, Urban Affairs department has procured 71 primary and secondary waste collection vehicles for Shillong Municipal Board and for 37 dorbar shnongs in Shillong Urban Agglomeration.
A total of 51 waste collection vehicles are operating in other urban local bodies of the state.
The department has also proposed procuring of more garbage collection vehicles to be handed over to the various urban local bodies.
