DC meets traditional heads to discuss proposed landfill in Nonghali

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 30, 2025

The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills held a meeting on Saturday with traditional heads from East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, and West Jaintia Hills to discuss the proposed landfill project at Nonghali.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, DC RM Kurbah said, “They are more concerned about Wah Umkhen that it will be polluted, as it is the main source of water for them. We explained to them about the project; however, they feel they should initiate an awareness programme in the village itself. So, we have given them one month’s time.”

She added that teams from the Urban Affairs Department and Pollution Control Board will be visiting the villages to raise awareness about the project.

Kurbah informed that another meeting will be held after one month, and if things progress, a public hearing will follow. She also highlighted that the current landfill was originally built to cater to a population of 10,000, but with the current population estimated at 8 to 9 lakh, there is an urgent need for a larger and scientifically managed landfill.

Officials from Ri Bhoi and West Jaintia Hills were also present at the meeting, since the proposed project could impact the surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, Soopar Rngaid, president of the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong Wah Umkhen, expressed distrust in the government’s assurances. “What was stated at the meeting is impossible. Despite the detailed explanation, we do not trust the state government to follow through,” he said.

He stressed that the proposed site is located above the Umkhen river, which is a lifeline for around 15 villages. It serves as a source of drinking water and is also used for agriculture and other daily needs.

Rngaid added that the strong opposition to the project stems from the fear that the river will be polluted by the landfill.