People take to streets, thwart public hearing on proposed landfill project

SHILLONG, Jan 9: A public hearing on the proposed Waste Management Plant and Landfill site at Lum Sohlait, Nonghali, took a dramatic turn on Thursday as residents from 15 villages staged a road blockade, halting the proceedings.
The protest, spearheaded by the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Par Umkhen, united affected villages spanning East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts in opposing the project.
Protesters gathered early near Jaroid village, using stones and tree branches to block the road to Nonghali, where the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) planned to conduct the hearing. Their actions prevented MSPCB officials, magistrates and police personnel from reaching the venue.
The villagers argued that the proposed 200-acre landfill poses a serious threat to the Umkhen river, a critical water source for their daily needs.
They also accused the government of disregarding their previous letters of opposition and attempting to move forward with the project without addressing their concerns.
“This project will destroy the Umkhen river, which we rely on for water. We have repeatedly informed the government of our opposition, but there has been no response,” said a protester.
Following hours of disruption, the MSPCB called off the hearing, citing unresolved differences among the villagers.
However, the cancellation escalated tensions, leading to a brief clash between protesters and Nonghali residents. Police intervention prevented further escalation.
Protesters also raised ‘Ha U Prah’ slogans after the hearing was canceled.
Interestingly, Nonghali village, the proposed site of the landfill, remains supportive of the project.
Hunbok Mynsong, who is the Rangbah Shnong, has expressed optimism about potential benefits of the project, including improved roads, employment opportunities and overall development for the village.
He cast aspersions on the involvement of neighboring villages from Ri-Bhoi and West Jaintia Hills, stating, “This is our matter, and they should not interfere.”
Another supported also mentioned that one cannot oppose everything and then go on to say that the government is not doing anything.