SHILLONG, JUL 8: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday said the department has directed all Chief Executive Officers and local MLAs of townships including Williamnagar, Jowai, Tura and Nongpoh to initiate work on waste management infrastructure.

Speaking on the proposed landfill at Nonghali for Shillong, Dhar said the government is ready to take a decision, but the process has been delayed due to litigation.  

“We are ready to take a call on that. It is unfortunate that one of the village residents has moved court. Because of this the Nonghali project is slightly held up. Let us wait for the outcome,” he said.  

On environmental concerns, he added, “All issues will be addressed as per the provisions of the Pollution Control Act.”

Dhar said the government is moving aggressively to set up scientific landfills in every district headquarters. He informed that Rs 5.80 crore has already been sanctioned for the Nongpoh landfill and work is currently underway.

“We are very aggressive on having a landfill in every district headquarters of the state. For Nongpoh, Rs 5.80 crore has been sanctioned and the work is in progress,” he said.

“We are also moving ahead with Nongstoin, Williamnagar, Tura and Khliehriat. I have instructed my officers to take up the work accordingly. It is important to have a landfill in every town and city.”

On Jowai, Dhar said site selection is nearly complete and the department is now working on the required approvals.

“It is almost final. We are now completing all the necessary processes through the concerned departments. First, we need to obtain an NOC from the village or the elaka where the site is located. Then we require clearance from the Pollution Control Board. Once all clearances are in place, we will conduct a public hearing,” he said.

He said 3-4 potential sites have been identified for Jowai, but the final location will be decided only after feasibility studies.  

“We have identified three to four places, but we have not finalised which one is feasible. We always have to examine multiple sites. I do not want to disclose the locations now because there is bound to be resistance. People will come to know once we go for the public hearing,” Dhar said.

He further asserted that all upcoming landfills will meet scientific standards.  

“All proposed landfills will be scientific. Otherwise, the NGT will not permit them,” he said.