By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 4: The HITO Mawryngkneng circle on Thursday voiced strong opposition to the state government’s plan to establish a new landfill site at Nonghali village in Mawryngkneng, East Khasi Hills.
Making it clear that the organisation is not against development, HITO Mawryngkneng Circle president, Shaniah Nongrum, said their opposition is driven by concerns over environmental pollution, particularly the potential contamination of Wah Umkhen.
Nongrum stated that the HITO would consider supporting the government’s plan if it could be proven that the proposed landfill site would not harm the environment and would comply with environmental norms.
“We are especially concerned since the site for the landfill is very close to Wah Umkhen,” Nongrum said.
He, however, welcomed the public hearing scheduled for July 6, expressing that they would support the majority’s voice regarding the proposed project.
Deputy Chief Minister in charge of the Urban Affairs department, Sniawbhalang Dhar, had previously announced that the state government would soon conduct a public hearing for the new landfill at Nonghali village. Dhar had mentioned that the Forest department is still assessing the feasibility of the land.
“If the land is feasible for the set-up of the landfill, we will go for a public hearing. If the village is willing, we will go ahead, but if the village does not want to, we will stop it. Simple,” Dhar had said.
The need for a new landfill has arisen as the lifespan of the existing dumping ground at Marten in Mawlai Mawiong has expired. The 18-acre site at Marten has been in use by the Shillong Municipal Board since 1938.