Agency’s services to be optional, not mandatory: CM
Shillong, April 16: The state government has decided to create Greater Shillong Waste Management Agency (GSWMA) in order to improve efficiency of waste management in the city by bringing the entire operation under one platform.
To be registered as society, the GSWMA will offer its services to around 100 localities covering an area of around 288 square kilometre in Greater Shillong.
However, the agency’s services will not be mandatory and will be provided only on request from the localities.
Informing about the cabinet decision on Thursday in this regard, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “There was a strong need for creation of a Greater Shillong Waste Management Agency.”
However, he said, the decision was taken following consultations with around 100 localities in the Greater Shillong area.
Noting that rapid urbanisation has outpaced the current waste management system due to “fragmented jurisdictions”, he said, “Shillong is growing and urbanization is taking place at a very rapid pace but the waste management and the overall collection of waste is being done by different agencies in different parts…. Cantonment Board has the jurisdiction in Cantonment area, Municipal Board has jurisdiction in the municipal area… beyond the municipal area, it is a Sixth Schedule area where district councils have the jurisdiction.”
He said efficiency of these bodies was affected due to “lack of coordination” among them.
“There’s a strong need to have some kind of an agency that will be able to coordinate and improve the overall efficiency of the garbage collection and management,” he said.
On the feedback from localities, the Chief Minister said, “Majority of the localities have responded positively.”
The government has also responded to queries from KHADC and other departments on their involvement in the matter after creation of GSWMA.
He clarified that services of GSWMA would not be mandatory.
“The final decision, whether to use the services of this agency or not, will lie with the respective localities,” he said.
