Following concerns raised by residents of Raid Madan Kyrdem, Ri-Bhoi, about a proposed garbage dump in the area, Umroi MLA George Lyngdoh has written to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma seeking the latter’s intervention.
A public hearing on the project was held on January 8 where residents expressed vehement opposition at the plan.
The locals claimed that there is complete absence of general awareness on the project and they fear that the dump could pollute the sources of water for surrounding villages.
Lyngdoh also stated that the people fear the loss of access to their farmland near the proposed site as well as the potential health and environmental hazards that are anticipated.
The MLA said that he was not intimated on the project proposal by the department concerned, which makes it hard for him to support it.
Lyngdoh also sought an explanation as to what benefits the youths, farmers and people of the area will draw from the project.
“It is expected by the public that any proposed project should be through proper public awareness with project feasibility and study at hand. Without these, the intent of finding an alternate waste disposal site will only end up evoking public opposition and a resentful outcome,” Lyngdoh stated in the letter.
