Measures to effectively deal with waste management in Shillong and also steps to revive Wah Umkhrah, Wah Umshyrpi, and Wah Umkhen were discussed today at a consultative meeting organised by the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) with the Rangbah Shnongs of the Greater Shillong Planning Area.
The discussion focused on three key components – river rejuvenation and restoration, solid waste management, and liquid waste management. Presentations at the meeting highlighted the challenges, measures taken, and the way forward.
Recommendations from the Apex Committee on river rejuvenation and restoration of Wah Umkhrah, Wah Umshyrpi, and Wah Umkhen were discussed, including the installation of chain-link fencing along 6 kms and installation of garbage traps at the household level.
Gaps in solid waste management were presented, and the need for institutionalising waste management and forming an independent centralised waste management agency with members from the State government and local headmen was deliberated.
The presentation also highlighted how collaborative efforts in the past have significantly improved waste management, with collection rates rising from 80 per cent to 95 per cent and segregation from 50 per cent to 75 per cent between 2016 and 2023.
The liquid waste management issues were also discussed with suggestions for exploring newer technologies like Johkasou and Green STP to treat both grey and black water.
Lastly, ongoing and planned urban transformation projects, including road development and redevelopment of public spaces, were unveiled.
The meeting concluded with valuable feedback from the Rangbah Shnongs, emphasising community partnership for urban development.
The meeting was in continuation to the series of stakeholder discussions conducted with the Rangbah Shnongs on the issues pertaining to pollution of rivers, inefficient waste management, traffic congestion, and other urban challenges faced in the city.
