SHILLONG: The landfill being constructed at Marten in Mawiong is in the process of completion. This was informed by Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh who stated that waste management was her department’s top priority.
The condition at the current dumping ground at Marten is deteriorating by the day as smell and smoke emanating from the area is posing various health hazards to the people around. Lyngdoh, however, pointed out that only materials which are permitted to be burnt are being combusted at the dumping site.
Stating that site has been serving the people since 1960’s, she, however, said that the State Government is now changing the method of waste management.
The Government is also engaging in discussion with experts about the idea of turning “waste into diesel”.
While admitting that the dumping site at Marten, Mawiong is old, the Minister informed that the Government intends to construct a permanent landfill site at Umsawli and a hearing on the matter was also held.
“The details of the same are with the Asian Development Bank,” she said.
She also called for community participation when it came to waste management.
“Community participation with regards to waste management is still missing. The community needs to come forward to assist the State Government,” she said.
