Ronnie moots Mawlynnong pill for clean state

SHILLONG: Urban affairs minister Ronnie V. Lyngdoh has stressed on the use of technology for management of waste to make not just the city but the entire state like Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia.
Speaking at the function after dedicating the phase 1 of the sanitary landfill for disposal of processed rejects and inert waste here on Monday, Lyngdoh said, “Why only Mawlynnong? Why not make the entire Meghalaya (like) Mawlynnong?”
However, the minister added, “Even if you have the best of intentions, there are people who will put spoke in the wheels.”
The sanitary landfill was designed for disposal of only the rejects from the processing plants and the inert waste (waste which cannot be processed or recycled).
The sanitary landfill is being developed in an area of 15,000 square metres, which is part of the 18 acres diverted by the forest department to the Shillong Municipal Board for the use of waste disposal and management.
In the first phase, 6500 sqm has been developed for the purpose under Tranche 1 of North Eastern Region Capital Cities Development Investment Programme (NERCCDIP) at the cost of Rs 7.57 crore. The work was completed in May 2017.
“Since the landfill has a design life of three years and nine months, we are looking even now at other observations to get rid of waste with minimum requirement of land,” Lyngdoh said.
The project for the development of sanitary landfill and associated works (Phase 1) at Marten include the components of retaining walls – 191.67 metres, approach road – 600 metres, ground water reservoir- 1 lac litres, storm water drain around landfill, lacheate tank- 30cum/day, liner systems and leachate collection system.
The sanitary landfill in the balance area (8500 sqm) including ancillary works at contract cost of Rs 19.33 crore. Work started in April 2016 and the construction period for the phase is 24 months.
The work is taken up under Tranche 2 of the programme.
Both phases of the sanitary landfill will cater to proper disposal of the inert waste and rejects from the processing facilities for about 10 years.
The type of wastes include rejects from processing facility and inert wastes.
Mott MacDonald Pvt Ltd is the design, supervision and management consultant. The contractors are M/s BD Marbaniang.
The project is implemented by the State Investment Project Management and Implementation Unit, urban affairs department funded by the ministry of housing and urban affairs, government of India and Asian Development Bank.
Winners of Hackathon 2017 were also announced on Monday with Fantastic 4 bagging the first prize. Localities were also felicitated for best practices in solid waste management in municipal areas.