15 villages oppose govt’s move to set up new landfill at Nonghali

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 7, 2024

Under the banner of the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong Par Umkhen, villagers of 15 villages falling under three districts of East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi and West Jaintia Hills – have decided to vehemently opposed the government’s decision to set up a new landfill at Nonghali village, which is only hundred meters away from Umkhen river. 

The decision was taken at a meeting held near Jingkieng Umkhen at Thadrang, Ri Bhoi district on Saturday.

The 15 villages have also decided to file a complaint before the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) against the alleged misuse of community land (Ri Raid) by the Sordar of Nonghali village.

The meeting presided by president of the Synjuk S Rngaid also resolved to demand the state government to conduct a public hearing before taking a final decision on the matter failing which the 15 villages would take stern action.

People attending the meeting have expressed concern over the decision to set up the new landfill at Nonghali as it would no doubt pollute the waterbodies of the Umkhen river. According to them, the proposed land is not even 100 meters away from the river.

The government through the Urban Affairs department has decided to start the setting up of the new landfill on Lum Sohlait at Nonghali which is under the Mawryngkneng constituency.