By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Despite the various controversies surrounding Marten the State Government is contemplating to the make the land fill site operational at a place close to the present dumping ground before the next rainy season
Talking to The Shillong Times here recently, Urban Affairs principal secretary P Naik said, “We are expecting the forest clearance within the next week from the Union ministry of environment and forests after which we will start work.
It may be mentioned that the residents of the area have demanded shifting of the Marten dumping ground as the State Government is planning to construct an (abattoir) in the nearby area.
According to Naik, the land-fill will ensure scientific dumping of waste and remove the stench in and around the area.
The two Dorbar Shnong of Mawiong-Umjapung and Mawiong Rim stated that they would withdraw their opposition to the project only if the State Government promises to remove the garbage dumping ground from the area and provide safe drinking water for the people of that area.
The Principal Secretary, however, asserted that the demand of the people for safe drinking water would be met once the third phase of Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme is commissioned.
“Even Mawlai Mawiong comes under municipal area and they too will benefit from GSWSS as it will enhance the distribution system in the municipal areas,” he added.
It is learnt that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had sanctioned Rs 4 crore for the improvement of the existing dumping ground at Marten in Mawlai Mawiong.
The Principal Secretary Urban Affairs also informed that the landfill would greatly help in scientific dumping of waste as on average around 125 tonnes of garbage is dump from municipal areas daily.
Meanwhile the State Government has reiterated its commitment for the construction of the abattoir at its proposed site.
The State Government’s plans to construct slaughter houses have come after a Supreme Court directive following an affidavit from an animal rights activist who did not wish to see animals cruelly massacred.
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 Shnong.
When asked about the benefits of having an abattoir, P Naik said, ” I have read reports that consumption of unhygienically slaughtered meat is linked to kidney stones in human beings.”
It is learnt that the animals in the proposed abattoir would be slaughtered in the most hygienic way by using new technology for clean and sterile meat.
“The animals would be stunned before they are slaughtered as it would reduce their pain, ” Naik added.