From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Sep 20: Lumdaitkhla Bhoirymbong, a village situated within Umroi constituency in Ri-Bhoi, currently faces a pressing issue due to the absence of adequate solid waste management facilities.
This situation has placed significant strain on the Dorbar Shnong, the local governing body, as they strive to maintain cleanliness within the village’s boundaries.
As an interim solution, the community has been compelled to dispose of waste generated from both the Bhoirymbong market and residential areas at the Kurkalang playground, owing to the lack of an appropriate waste disposal site.
In an effort to raise awareness among the village’s residents, the Dorbar Shnong of Lumdaitkhla organized a community meeting on Wednesday, in a bid to inform the villagers about an upcoming proposal for a scientifically designed solid waste management plant, intended to promote the well-being of both the community and the environment.
The meeting took place within the village and featured a guest speaker, Banbhalang Diengdoh from Umpling Shillong, a specialist in the field of solid waste management. Diengdoh provided valuable insights into the benefits of solid waste management plants, emphasising their potential to enhance cleanliness and create employment opportunities, especially for the village’s youth.
Village leaders including Headman ST Rympei, general secretary Reading Rymbai, and village chairman S Lamare, disclosed that the Dorbar Shnong had already submitted a proposal for the establishment of a solid waste management plant in Lumdaitkhla. Currently, the village has initiated the construction of necessary fencing funded by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) as an initial step in this vital undertaking.
Furthermore, the leaders revealed that the proposal had been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi with the hope of securing funding through the Swachh Bharat Mission. This funding would enable the implementation of the solid waste management plant in accordance with scientific practices, thereby safeguarding public health and the environment.
Addressing a recent controversy, village leaders clarified a misunderstanding regarding the jurisdiction of the land designated for the solid waste management plant.
Contrary to prior reports, they unequivocally stated that the proposed site falls within the jurisdiction of Lumdaitkhla village, not Lumsohpieng village.
In a passionate plea to the local residents, the village leaders implored them not to oppose the establishment of the solid waste management plant and encouraged collective collaboration with the Dorbar Shnong. They emphasised that without this critical initiative, the village would continue to struggle with the absence of a proper waste disposal system, potentially exacerbating cleanliness issues in the area.