Shillong: Meghalaya’s waste management plan hit a wall. A legal fight in Nonghali and heavy public pushback in Shillong now threaten the state government's push for a network of scientific landfills. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar admitted the government is ready to build in Nonghali, but the project is stuck in court after a local resident filed a petition.
The state wants a disposal site in every district headquarters to fix its trash crisis. Construction is already underway at a Rs 5.8 crore facility in Nongpoh. Officials are also running feasibility tests on two or three potential sites in Jowai, where overflowing trash recently turned streets into dumps.
Residents remain unconvinced by the scientific label. Locals fear toxic leachate will leak into the groundwater and cause health problems. The government claims modern liners and strict protocols will stop the poison. Still, local Dorbars doubt the state can keep its promises. Sniawbhalang Dhar said, "The government is prepared to proceed with the Nonghali project, but the matter remains stalled in court following a petition by a local resident."
Meanwhile, crews made headway at the Marten site in Mawlai. Workers have bio-mined and recycled nearly two lakh tonnes of legacy waste. The site is finally clearing out, giving Shillong a temporary break from the stench.
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