Waste to energy project to be initiated
It’s been six years since the State Government committed itself to make Meghalaya a plastic-free state putting a ban on use of plastic bags with effect from January 1, 2006.
Again in October last year, the ban was reimposed with Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh issuing a strict warning to adhere to the order and also mentioning strict action against anyone who violates the ban.
However, the ban has failed to have any effect with only certain localities now enforcing the order.
Public response to the ban has also been very dismal so far.
To curb the menace of plastic waste, which is non degradable in nature, the State Government has contemplated to start a project for power generation from the plastic wastes. The proposed ‘waste to energy’ project is to be integrated at Marten (dumping ground) site and is expected to largely reduce the detrimental effects of plastic wastes.
The State Government has decided to seek additional fund from the Centre to integrate the project at Mawiong.
Talking to The Shillong Times here on Monday, Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “Things would be better once the waste to energy project sees the light of the day. Once the project is ready, then all the used plastic bags can be used in the project to generate some amount of power for our power-starved state.”
According to Lyngdoh, the State Government is in the process of seeking funding from the Asian Development Bank for the project.
“Our officers are on the job and we are moving ahead with regard to seeking funds for the project,” she said while adding that the she has already reviewed two states where such ‘waste to energy’ project has been successfully implemented.
It is also expected that if the State Government succeeds in setting up the project, the State, which suffers perpetual power shortage, can benefit a lot as the integration project can generate at least 4 megawatts of power.
Meanwhile, speaking on the Government’s initiative to make Meghalaya a plastic-free state, Ampareen said that the community members need to come forward to support the initiative.
“It would be very difficult for the Government alone to make Meghalaya a plastic-free state until the community comes forward,” she added.