The Meghalaya High Court has asked the State government to ensure that the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 notified by the Central government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is enforced in the entire State.
The division bench of the High Court today heard the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Synjuk Ki Waheh Shnong Jowai relating to the garbage problem in Jowai.
During the hearing, the lawyer of the six villages who have been added as parties in the case stated that the State government should ensure that the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 notified by the Central Government in exercise of its authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is implemented as expeditiously as possible by creating bodies and infrastructure in terms therewith.
Agreeing with the submission by the lawyer, the High Court said, “The State government should look into such aspects of the matter, not only limited to Jowai but for the entirety of the State.”
During the hearing, the State government and the Jowai Municipal Board informed the High Court that a temporary site for dumping of garbage has been identified and the lifting of the garbage in Jowai town has commenced.
According to the Jowai Municipal Board, the main streets have been cleared and it is expected that the garbage from the market places will be cleared in the course of the weekend.
“Since all concerned, including the State, appear to have looked into the matter and meetings have been held to identify an alternative dumping site, no immediate order is required. Let the matter appear a fortnight hence. It is hoped that some immediate and long-term solutions would be arrived at by then,” the High Court said. The matter will again come up for hearing on May 13.
