Shillong, Oct 12: In an initiative aimed at tackling the growing waste crisis in the region, Hima Sohra has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Concrea Infrastructures Pvt Ltd to establish a comprehensive waste management plant in Sohra.
The agreement was formally executed on Saturday.
The MoU was signed between Freeman Sing Syiem, the Syiem of Hima Sohra, and Sachin Rajmurti, Founder-Director of Concrea Infrastructures, a Guwahati-based infrastructure company.
Under the agreement, Hima Sohra will lease 3 acres of land to the company at a nominal annual rent of Rs 10,000, with a 10 percent increment every five years. The lease term is initially for 31 years, extendable by another 31 years based on project success and mutual agreement.
The waste management project forms part of the ‘Green Sohra Campaign’ and is envisioned as a scientific solution to the region’s escalating waste disposal issues, especially given Sohra’s status as a rapidly growing tourist destination.
According to the MoU, Concrea Infrastructures will invest at least Rs 20 crore to set up a compressed bio-gas plant, a waste segregation unit and a scrap yard to handle both organic and dry waste. The company will also be responsible for waste collection from households, businesses and tourist sites, in collaboration with the community and the office of the Syiem.
Concrea Infrastructures has committed to providing maximum employment to local residents based on their skills and qualifications, establishing a skill development centre to train youth in relevant technical and operational fields, utilising any corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds exclusively for the development of the Hima Sohra region and ensuring environmental compliance in all activities, particularly safeguarding nearby villages such as Lum Mawkyrdup.
Alan West Kharkongor, advisor to Hima Sohra, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that the signing of the MoU marks a milestone in the history of Sohra. Reflecting on past challenges, he highlighted the dangers posed by legacy waste accumulating in open spaces, caves and rivers, which he described as a serious threat to the environment and the future of tourism in Sohra.
The project is expected to commence within six months. However, under the MoU, if the company fails to commence operations within three years, the land will revert to Hima Sohra without legal proceedings. It is also agreed that the land must be used strictly for waste management purposes and cannot be subleased or transferred without prior approval. Hima Sohra will act as a consultative body, offering guidance but refraining from direct interference in operations.
Speaking on the occasion, the Syiem stated, “This MoU marks a new beginning for Sohra. Our community is proud to support an initiative that aligns with environmental responsibility while also offering employment and growth opportunities.”
