DLSA hosts environmental awareness program and distributes over Rs 1 crore compensation in West Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 21, 2024

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Jaiñtia Hills District, organized a special awareness program on Saturday focused on “Environmental Protection with a Special Focus on Solid Waste Management” at the conference hall of the District and Sessions Court, Khliehtyrshi.

The event was graced by Justice HS Thangkhiew, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya & Executive Chairman of MSLSA, as the Chief Guest, and Justice W Diengdoh, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya & Chairman of HCLSC, as the Guest of Honour. NA Khan, District and Sessions Judge cum Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority, West Jaiñtia Hills District, BS Sohliya, Deputy Commissioer, West Jaintia Hills District also attended the event.

During the event, cheques were distributed to 144 beneficiaries for settled land acquisition cases by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. The total settled amount of compensation paid by NEEPCO, Shillong, in connection with all 144 land acquisition cases is Rs. 1,03,08,108.50 (Rupees One crore three lakhs eight thousand one hundred eight and fifty paise) only.

This settlement was in view of the order dated 02-06-2023, passed by NA Khan, Special Judicial Officer (Land Acquisition), West Jaiñtia Hills District, Jowai in L.A. No. 26/2015. The 144 cases were settled with an enhanced compensation amount, 50% higher than the previous amount paid by NEEPCO, Shillong.

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Justice HS Thangkhiew expressed his happiness to be present and emphasized the importance of such programs. He highlighted that the program addressed two different aspects: environmental management and the closure of a long-standing penal litigation involving land acquisition.

He noted that land is a finite resource and very dear to the people, with rising prices and increasing pressure on land availability. The old act did not adequately address these issues, but the new act does. He stressed the importance of timely settlements to avoid diminishing compensation value over time.

Justice Thangkhiew praised the District Legal Services Authority for organizing the program and highlighted the importance of out-of-court settlements through mediation and negotiation. He expressed hope that more cases would be resolved in this manner and that reference matters might not come to court at all.

On the topic of environmental management, Justice Thangkhiew pointed out the growing awareness and education on environmental issues. He mentioned the significance of solid waste management, especially in Jowai, where the program is highly relevant. He emphasized that Jowai has faced significant challenges with solid waste management, and this program is very apt and appropriate because it addresses not only the problem of solid waste management but also the unique issues faced by hilly areas.

Villages often oppose solid waste management projects because they fear it will turn their area into a landfill, much like the Marten landfill in Shillong. However, improved methods of solid waste management can alleviate these concerns. Justice Thangkhiew stressed the importance of community sensitization and awareness to ensure that proposals for waste management are carefully considered and involve community participation.

Justice W Diengdoh, the Guest of Honour, shared his experience with the long-standing land acquisition case dating back to 2002. He recalled his time as the special judicial officer handling these matters and expressed his amazement at the complexity and duration of the case. He was pleased to see the case concluded successfully and acknowledged the efforts of all concerned judicial officers, particularly his colleague who brought the matter to a close.

A technical session followed, featuring expert resource persons, representatives from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, a Capacity Building Specialist, PMU: SBM (U), Meghalaya and the Chairman of the Meghalaya Greentech Foundation. The session provided valuable insights into improved methods of solid waste management and the benefits of community involvement in such projects.