By Our Reporter
Shillong: The State Government is likely to go ahead with its proposed move to construct the slaughter house (abattoir) at Mawlai Mawiong despite the local residents putting forward a fest set of demands.
Construction of the proposed slaughter house (abattoir) at Mawlai Mawiong faces a roadblock, as people of the area have decided to end their opposition to the construction of the abattoir only if the State Government promises to remove the garbage dumping ground from the area and provide safe drinking water for the people of the area.
The local residents on Monday submitted the fresh set of demands to the government.
“These new demands have really put the government in a tricky situation as they are (demands) impossible to be met,” Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong said on Tuesday.
“We have to discuss the matter with the concerned Dorbar Shnongs– Mawiong Umjapung and Mawiong Rim,” Lanong, who holds Animal Husbandry and Veterinary portfolios, said. It may be mentioned here that the Rangbah Shnong of Mawiong Umjapung T Kharkongor had told newsmen on Saturday that the two Dorbar Shnongs were willing to end their oppositions “only if the state government agrees to remove the dumping ground from that area and provide clean and safe drinking water”.
When contacted, Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “We can not change everything overnight and we have already decided to set up the dumping ground and acquired the land through proper channels.”
The Rs 22-crore project sanctioned by the State Government with the purpose of easing the burden of the butchers in and around the city has not taken off yet due to opposition from the Dorbar Shnongs.
Replying to a query on the health hazards issue, Lyngdoh said, “Marten is located in another hill which is far from the proposed abattoir. So there is no fear of any health hazards.”