SHILLONG, March 16: The state government is likely to go for fresh advertisement for acquiring land for the setting up of a permanent landfill for Jowai town.
Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar told reporters on Thursday that the department had floated advertisement and interested land owners have submitted their applications. “However, most of the lands are not feasible (for setting up of a permanent landfill),” Dhar said.
He informed that the department will immediately notify the new chairman of the Jowai Municipal Board. Dhar said he would take a call within this week on the matter. “If the previous applications are not valid or feasible, I will go for fresh advertisement,” he said while adding that a similar decision was also taken in respect of the Marten dumping ground at Mawlai Mawiong.
It may be mentioned here that Jowai town was badly hit due to absence of a permanent landfill for many months last year.
When asked, the deputy chief minister expressed confidence that his department will be able to resolve the problems related to waste management. “Don’t worry, there is a solution to every problem but it may take time,” he said.
Last year, Dhar had informed that the government is planning to set up scientific landfills for best management of waste in all districts of the state. According to him, land of 200 acres will be required for setting up new landfill for Shillong while 50-100 acres of land for different districts in the state.
