The process for setting up of a permanent landfill site for Jowai town has begun.
The Urban Affairs Department has decided to engage a consultant for preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and obtaining environmental clearance for development of integrated solid waste management facilities including a new sanitary landfill site for Jowai town.
The Urban Affairs Department has proposed to develop integrated solid waste management facilities including a sanitary landfill site in West Jaintia Hills.
The Jowai Municipal Board has acquired a plot of land at Sabah Muswang for the purpose of construction of a scientific landfill site.
The implementation of this project will improve the scientific treatment and disposal of the solid waste generated from Jowai and villages of the district in compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Sources said that the department has invited technical and financial bids for the consultancy service and it is expected that the bidding process would be completed by the end of next month.
Jowai is routinely plagued by piles of garbage due to the absence of a proper landfill site. The Jowai Municipal Board (JMB) has tried to use a temporary landfill site at Mynkjai to dump the wastes from Jowai. However, local villagers in and around Mynkjai complained about the impact it has on the environment and public health.
According to sources, solid wastes at an average quantity of 50 MT are collected from different localities of Jowai on a daily basis.
The Secretary, Forest and Environment, Meghalaya in a report filed before the National Green Tribunal on July 16, 2022 has stated that a solid waste processing plant of 10 tons per day would be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 3.37 crore. The plant will serve both Jowai and Khliehriat and is expected to be completed within one year.
