By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 29: The Meghalaya government is now moving to negotiate land rates with owners at Nonghali for the construction of a new scientific landfill, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar, informed on Thursday.
The progress follows the successful completion of a public hearing for the proposed site. A committee has been constituted to finalise the rates for the land acquisition.
A scientific landfill is considered a priority for Shillong, as the existing site at Mawlai has been in operation since the 1930s. More than two lakh tonnes of legacy waste have already been recycled from the Marten landfill, which had previously exceeded its capacity.
Regarding the Wahumkhrah Riverfront Project, Dhar informed that work is underway and is expected to be completed within two years from the date the work order was issued.
The Rs 39-crore project aims to develop the riverfront into a hub for recreational and social activities. While the plan includes beautification and new infrastructure, Dhar clarified that the cleaning of the Wahumkhrah river will be taken up only after the beautification of the area is finished.
No change in regional border committees
The Meghalaya government will retain its existing regional border committees for talks with Assam to resolve the ongoing boundary dispute.
Deputy Chief Minister Dhar confirmed on Thursday that the government will keep the current committee members.
Discussions between the two states have been stalled for some time. With Assam scheduled for elections in the coming months, official talks are expected to resume after a new government is formed in the neighbouring state.
