Smell, filth and rampant dumping of garbage at Wahingdoh
Residents of Wahingdoh Block 5-C and others have been silently suffering for several years now due to the unhygienic condition prevailing in the area.
People who commute through the lane (footpath) coming from Ramakrishna Mission LP School, Umsohsun towards Wahingdoh Block 5-C have to bear foul smell and filth which emanates mainly from open discharge of human and other waste due to the non availiability of any septic tank, sewage or drainage pipes.
The problem is further compounded by rampant dumping of garbage from the compound of the Sadar Police Reserve quarters.
Local residents of Wahingdoh have, in the past, taken up the issue with the Dorbar Shnong of Wahingdoh, the local MLA of Mawkhar and the Police authorities.
But what is surprising is that the efforts made by the Dorbar Shnong and the local legislator of Mawkhar bore no fruits.
The local MLA of Mawkhar, Friday Lyngdoh, had arranged for the visit of Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh and Urban Affairs Minister Kong Ampareen Lyngdoh with the members of the local Dorbar Shnong, the Chief Engineer and other officers of PWD, officers of the Police Department, officers of Urban Affairs and the Shillong Municipal Board, in August last year.
Despite the inspection by the high-profile team, no effective action has been taken as yet and people still continue to suffer.
Residents of Wahingdoh have now started questioning whether civic rules and bye laws were applicable only to civilians and not for the guardians of the law.
They have also expressed disappointment that nothing has been done either by the Police Department or by the State Government so far.
This despite the fact that proper sanitation programme is being pursued by many localities and the Shillong Municipal Board itself, the residents mentioned.
“What is more surprising is that the area is located in the heart of the city itself and under the jurisdiction of the Shillong Municipal Board,” they added.
The Urban Affairs department is currently pursuing the ambitious Khyndailad beautification project, but the question on everybody’s mind is will the beautification project at Khyndailad hold any merit when it adjoining areas are polluted, dirty and unhygienic? (Contributed by residents of Wahingdoh)