Operation Clean-Up team meets CM Conrad Sangma to address environmental concerns

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 2, 2024

The Operation Clean-Up (OCU) team, led by Patricia Mukhim, met with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on July 2 to to draw attention to issues of environmental concerns. The 13-member team urged the CM to ban single-use plastic bags, highlighting their significant impact on river pollution. They also stressed the need to monitor illegal mines and quarries causing deforestation.

OCU suggested that royalties paid to the Forest Department for forest clearing should fund eco-restoration in local communities. They called for expanded waste management beyond urban areas, noting that villagers currently burn non-biodegradable waste. Shubham NGO demonstrated reusable menstrual pads, seeking the CM’s support to promote these products to reduce river pollution.

The OCU highlighted the threat to Umiam Lake from garbage and sedimentation, urging the CM’s intervention.

In response, CM Conrad Sangma addressed each point raised by the OCU. He mentioned that the government has already banned plastic bags below 75 microns and 300 gauge, and instructed his office to check if these plastics are still available. He announced that Saindur Enviro will start producing biodegradable bags by December 2024.

Regarding illegal mines, the CM acknowledged the need for clarity on the reported 1,700 mines, many of which are abandoned. He noted that while the law allows for some quarrying activities, quarries near rivers and roadsides should be stopped to protect the environment.

On forest royalties, the CM explained that 50% of the royalties go to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), but he would consider sharing more with local communities for environmental protection programs. He recognized the challenges of waste management across 7,000 scattered villages and emphasized the need to encourage entrepreneurs to set up village waste recovery systems.

The CM announced a waste management business plan competition led by IIM Shillong, which will be funded by the government. He also mentioned progress in managing disposable waste at Tinsukia Dumping Ground and invited the same company to handle legacy waste at Marten. The CM praised the reusable sanitary pads produced by Shubham and requested a formal project proposal for potential funding.

For Umiam Lake, the CM instructed officers to prepare a background note on garbage issues and asked OCU to provide documentation for corrective measures. He entrusted OCU and the Meghalaya Institute of Governance (MIG) to create a comprehensive waste management master plan, starting with a pilot area.

The OCU includes various organizations and individuals committed to environmental protection.