The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Pyniaid Sing Syiem, has expressed his concerns about the prevention of additional sites from becoming dumping grounds like Marten, or more rivers from experiencing the fate of Umkhrah River or Umshyrpi River.
The CEM, accompanied by World Bank officials, conducted a site visit to the Marten dumping ground in Mawlai on Tuesday.
The World Bank delegation and the KHADC chief also inspected various locations including Wah Umkhen, Umpling, Pynthorumkhrah, RRC Mawlai Mawroh, and Marten. The visit mainly focused on the Marten dumping ground. This inspection is part of an ongoing collaboration between KHADC and the World Bank to find effective solid waste management solutions in the five districts under the council's jurisdiction.
The council has sought the World Bank's assistance to devise a permanent solution for solid waste management in these districts. During these visits, officials evaluated the current waste management situation and collected valuable data to develop strategies that effectively tackle waste-related challenges.
The CEM stated that KHADC will not only concentrate on waste disposal management but will also strive to raise awareness to protect the river system, ensuring no river experiences the fate of Umshyrpi or Umkhrah rivers. He shared that the World Bank delegation was satisfied with the frequent cleaning drives initiated by the state's residents, held annually, twice or thrice a year.
The CEM added that they were surprised to find that almost all localities have their own waste management offices, which require more support. CEM Syiem further confirmed that KHADC will continue to work relentlessly to ensure that the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Solid Waste Management) Act 2020 is implemented within this month.
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