SHILLONG, March 11: UDP MLA Mayralborn Syiem on Tuesday revealed that the Solid Waste Management Project (SWMP) in Nongpoh, inaugurated in 2019, is yet to become operational.
The project, conceptualised in 2007 at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
While moving a motion in the Assembly on the need to improve sanitation and infrastructure in cities and towns, Syiem stated that the Urban Affairs department is now planning to develop a new solid waste management project and landfill site.
He urged the chief minister and Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar, to fast-track the project to ensure a designated dumping site for garbage in Nongpoh town.
The UDP MLA noted that while some localities support providing land for the new landfill site, others are opposed to it. “But I appeal to the government not to miss this opportunity since land is available. We need a proper plan to utilise it efficiently,” Syiem said.
He also suggested that the department provide guidance to the Nongpoh Town Committee (NTC) on managing a project of this scale.
According to him, there is a need for a dedicated management committee comprising town committees and village representatives. He emphasised the importance of government support if local bodies lack the capability to manage the project independently.
The Nongpoh MLA further urged the Urban Affairs Department and the office of the Deputy Commissioner to ensure sufficient funding to pay the salaries of workers involved in garbage segregation at the landfill site.
He stressed that capacity-building initiatives and intensive training should be conducted for the effective implementation of the project.
Meanwhile, Syiem highlighted that every monsoon, Nongpoh town faces waterlogging and flooding.
He attributed this issue to poorly designed drainage systems along the highway, constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), affecting areas from Jorabat, Byrnihat, Umling, Nongpoh, and Umsning.
He recommended issuing directives to NHAI for proper drainage infrastructure along the highway.
The UDP MLA also mentioned that the central government has sanctioned a proposal to construct foot overbridges at Nongpoh, Umsning, Umling, and Byrnihat to facilitate safe crossings for students and pedestrians during floods.
Additionally, Syiem emphasised the need for collaboration among various departments, including Urban Affairs, Public Health Engineering, and Soil and Water Conservation, to develop a comprehensive drainage system for Nongpoh town.
He suggested that the drainage system should be mapped according to the town’s geographical layout to ensure effective water management.
