By Our Reporter
NONGPOH, June 14: Residents of Umshangling village, alongside leaders of the Synjuk Ki Phra Shnong (SKPS), Pahamrioh Circle, staged a demonstration on Saturday to voice their long-standing grievances over the unbearable stench emanating from the Nongpoh town garbage dumping ground, located within their village.
During an inspection led by community leaders, SKPS representatives, and concerned villagers, the site was found to be littered with piles of unregulated waste. The unmanaged dumping has not only led to severe air pollution but also a proliferation of flies and pests, which have invaded homes and posed significant threats to public health.
During the inspection, it was also noted that much of the site’s infrastructure has been vandalised or left in disrepair.
Speaking to media persons, SKPS Chairman Stephan Ksiar and Umshangling Secretary Vincent Sohkhwai expressed deep frustration over the indifference and negligence of authorities. They said that despite repeated complaints and written submissions over the years, no meaningful action has been taken to address the issue.
Ironically, just three days after the villagers imposed a ban on further dumping at the site, the district authorities, along with several Rangbah Shnongs (headmen) from the Nongpoh area and representatives of nearby healthcare institutions like Bethany Hospital and the Civil Hospital, called for a meeting, urging the community to allow dumping at the site.
The leaders condemned the indiscriminate disposal of waste in the area, describing it as a blatant act of environmental destruction. They also questioned the sincerity of those who annually celebrate World Environment Day with symbolic tree-planting ceremonies in urban spaces while ignoring real and pressing issues like this one in rural communities.
A village woman lamented that the stench and infestation of flies have made life nearly unlivable. She shared that even freshly cooked food, including vegetables and meat, becomes inedible due to contamination by swarming flies, forcing families to discard their meals entirely.
Backed by the SKPS, the village has vowed to maintain the ban on dumping at the site until authorities meet their demands. These demands will be submitted in writing in the coming days.
As Nongpoh town continues to expand, Umshangling’s stand has placed the broader municipal waste management system under strain. Without any alternative dumping ground, residents across Nongpoh are now left wondering where to dispose of their household waste, as Umshangling remains the only site currently available.