The Synjuk Nongsynshar Shnong Par Umkhen has strongly opposed the government’s plan to set up the landfill at Lumsohlait in Nonghali, East Khasi Hills, due to concerns over pollution of the Umkhen river.
This vital water source supports
the daily needs of all 15 villages falling under the Synjuk
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 6: The Synjuk Nongsynshar Shnong Par Umkhen (SNSPU), a conglomeration of 15 villages spanning the East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and West Jaintia Hills districts, has strongly criticised the state government for allegedly attempting to secretly conduct a public hearing on January 9 regarding the proposed landfill site at Lumsohlait in Nonghali, East Khasi Hills. The group expressed fears that the landfill would contaminate the Umkhen river, a crucial water source for the villages.
SNSPU chairman S Rangaid told reporters that the public hearing was planned without proper notification to the villagers. He asserted that the Synjuk would not allow the hearing to proceed. “Previously, the government informed us in advance about such plans. This time, however, it is trying to conduct the hearing in a hush-hush manner. We will ensure that this attempt does not succeed,” Rangaid stated.
He added that the SNSPU strongly opposes the government’s plan to set up the landfill at the proposed site due to concerns over pollution of the Umkhen river. This vital water source supports the daily needs of all 15 villages under the SNSPU.
Rangaid also criticized the Rangbah Shnong and Secretary of the Nonghali Dorbar Shnong for allegedly misleading the public by claiming the landfill site is safe based on visits to waste management facilities in Goa and other states. “We are resolute in our stance and will not allow the landfill to be established,” he affirmed.
The SNSPU has submitted representations to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who oversees Urban Affairs, as well as the Deputy Commissioners and MLAs representing constituencies across the three districts. “We were assured that the government would not move forward with this project due to the strong opposition from villagers,” Rangaid said.
It may be noted that the 15 villages have previously opposed the government’s proposal to establish the landfill on a 200-acre plot of land in Nonghali. The SNSPU has demanded that the government inform them before scheduling any public hearings regarding the project.
Earlier, Dhar had announced plans for a public hearing on the new landfill site. He stated that the Forest department is still assessing the feasibility of the land. “If the land is suitable for the landfill, we will conduct a public hearing. If the village supports it, we will proceed. If not, we will stop. Simple,” he had said. The need for a new landfill arises because the lifespan of the existing dumping ground at Marten in Mawlai Mawiong has expired. The 18-acre site at Marten, which has been used by the Shillong Municipal Board since 1938, is no longer viable for waste disposal.