Representatives of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and World Bank undertook a joint site visit of the Marten dumping ground today, with KHADC Chief Executive Member Pyniaid Sing Syiem expressing hope that collaboration between the two parties can help bring about better solid waste management options other than another landfill.
The inspection group from the World Bank and KHADC also conducted site visits at various locations, including the Wah Umkhen, Umpling, Pynthorumkhrah and Mawlai Mawroh, with the main focus being Marten.
The KHADC is hoping that the World Bank can help it find effective solid waste management solutions in the areas under its jurisdiction.
Officials are assessing the current state of waste management and gathering data to help come up with strategies that will address waste-related challenges.
Syiem said that the KHADC is also focused on creating awareness to protect river systems so that no other river has to suffer the polluted fate of the Wahumkhrah or Umshyrpi. The council already has a Solid Waste Management Act, which was passed in 2020 but has yet to come into effect. Syiem assured that the KHADC is working tirelessly to see it implemented.
On the site visits, he said that the World Bank officials were satisfied with the regular cleaning drives undertaken by various groups in the polluted rivers.