MUDA meets Ri Bhoi villagers over waste disposal project

NONGPOH: The Meghalaya Urban Development Authority convened an emergency meeting here on Monday to discuss the solid waste management project in Nongpoh.
The meeting follows the ultimatum served by representatives from eight villages under the banner Synjuk Ki Phra Shnong (SKPS).
SKPS had threatened to close the road leading to the dumping site located at Umshangling after the waste management project got delayed and the contractor abandoned it due to lack of fund.
The inspection for the project was done on Monday and the team was led by local MLA D.D Lapang. Ri Bhoi DC C.P Gotmare, officials from MUDA as well as representatives from both Nongpoh Town Committee and SKPS were also there.
The Rs 66-crore waste management project, which was sanctioned in 2006-07, has been delayed for more than a decade now.
The dumping ground is in a pathetic condition with foul smell and infested with maggots, it was found during inspection.
SKPS leader K. Suting said at the meeting that besides the stench, the accumulating garbage is posing health threats to the locals Umshangling, “which should be awarded the country’s Dirtiest Village title”.
Angry locals have threatened to halt dumping from Nongpoh town. Suting said the Centre’s Swachh Bharat Mission “seems to be an insult here”.
Gotmare, who has to endure the stench as his official quarter is near the dump yard, said the project will be completed before this year’s monsoon.
The DC also asked for a MUDA office in Nongpoh for better implementation of government schemes.
C.B Syiem, Chairman of the Nongpoh Town Committee, agreed to the DC’s proposal and said special assistance is needed for Umshangling’s development.
A delegation of villagers will meet Minister Ronnie Lyngdoh on Tuesday and urge him to release the remaining fund for completion of the solid waste management project.