Work under way at Nongpoh; Proposals in process for 5 towns
Shillong, July 8: The state government taken initiatives to set up scientific landfills in every district headquarters with work at Nongpoh under way and proposals in process for Jowai, Tura, Williamnagar, Nongstoin and Khliehriat, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar, said on Wednesday.
Urban Affairs department has asked chief executive officers (CEOs) of municipal authorities and local MLAs for townships like Williamnagar, Jowai, Tura, Nongpoh to coordinate on identifying suitable sites for waste disposal facilities in their respective towns, he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said Rs 5.8 crore has been sanctioned for Nongpoh landfill and construction has already started.
“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,” he said.
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.
“It is very unfortunate that one of the village residents has moved the 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 complete, 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 finalise which one is feasible,” 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.
