SHILLONG, July 8: While the state government pushes for a decentralised network of ‘scientific landfills’ across Meghalaya’s district headquarters, a single legal challenge in Nonghali and deep-seated public skepticism in Shillong threaten to stall the state’s latest solution to its chronic waste crisis.
Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar, stated on Wednesday that the government is prepared to proceed with the Nonghali project, but the matter remains stalled in court following a petition by a local resident.
The state’s strategy hinges on establishing scientific disposal facilities in every district headquarters to manage rising urban waste. Work has already commenced on a facility in Nongpoh at an estimated cost of Rs 5.8 crore. In Jowai, where trash recently rotted on streets for weeks due to a lack of disposal sites, the government has narrowed down potential locations to two or three sites currently undergoing feasibility tests.
However, the “scientific” label has done little to soothe public anxiety. Localities across Shillong continue to vehemently oppose new landfills, fearing that leachate—the toxic liquid that drains from waste—will poison groundwater and create long-term health hazards. While the government maintains that modern liners and treatment protocols will mitigate these risks, local Dorbars remain skeptical of the state’s oversight capabilities.
Regarding the crisis at the Marten site in Mawlai, which was previously overflowing, the Minister reported significant progress in clearing legacy waste. Approximately two lakh tonnes of refuse have been bio-mined and recycled, nearly clearing the area and providing temporary relief to the capital’s primary dumping ground.
