Shillong, Aug 28: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar said that the Nonghali scientific landfill project is in the final stage of environmental clearance
Answering a question by VPP MLA from Mawlai Brightstarwell Marbaniang, Dhar admitted the delay in the project, first tendered in March 2022.
“Four landowners came forward and a task force under the Deputy Commissioner inspected all sites. Nonghali was found feasible as per norms,” he said.
According to Dhar, the delay was due to community resistance, despite widespread demand for better waste management facilities.
“People come to me demanding landfills to keep towns clean, but when we float the EOI, the same groups oppose it. This is the practical problem the department faces,” he said.
Giving the timeline, Dhar said a public hearing on April 2, 2025, faced opposition from Nonghali villagers and the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong of Parmawshken, prompting the government to defer it.
“We respected their concerns and rescheduled it to September 23, 2025, after holding more awareness programmes and consultations at different levels,” he said.
The second hearing was completed successfully, but the matter went to court.
“Somebody went to court against it. The High Court disposed of the case in our favour on July 14,” Dhar said.
He said the department is now preparing the final Environment Impact Assessment, Environment Management Plan and Detailed Project Report for submission to the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority for environmental clearance, following which land acquisition will be initiated.
