SHILLONG, April 19: The Urban Affairs department has decided to float a new Expression of Interest (EoI) for the identification of the permanent landfill site for Jowai town.
Informing this on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Urban Affairs department, Sniawbhalang Dhar, said, “We have taken the decision to float a new EoI in our meeting today. We are not satisfied with the plots of land which have been proposed for the landfill site since it is not feasible and also not up to the mark.” He reminded that the department had floated advertisements and interested landowners had submitted their applications.
“However, most of the lands are not feasible (for setting up of a permanent landfill site),” Dhar said, adding that the fresh EoI will be floated next week.
It may be mentioned that Jowai has suffered miserably due to the absence of a permanent landfill.
When asked about the permanent landfill site for Shillong since Marten dumping ground has nearly surpassed its lifespan, Dhar said the identification of the land for the permanent landfill site for Shillong and its adjoining areas has been almost completed and now the public hearing is left.
“It is the prerogative of the government to get the landfill sites for both Shillong and Jowai. We have another four to five years before Marten dumping ground surpasses its lifespan,” Dhar said.
Admitting that it is a herculean task getting the support of the people for a permanent landfill site, he, however, said that the people should be ready to part their land since having a new landfill site is very critical.
“I think it is the responsibility of each and every stakeholder to provide us with the land. Where are we going to dump the garbage if we are not getting the land? We need to be more lenient and understand the gravity of the situation,” the deputy chief minister said.
When asked, Dhar exuded confidence that his department will be able to resolve the problems relating to scientific waste management.
“Don’t worry, there is a solution to every problem but it may take time,” he said.