By Y Popcha & H Sushila
IMPHAL, June 7: The state will have a new solid waste dumping ground at Lamdeng Leimarol Khunou from October this year, said IMC chairperson N Raghumani during a brief chat with IFP this evening.
He said the government has already selected a five acre big site where construction is undergoing at the moment.
A recycling plant for the solid waste will also be installed at the site, he said and added that the solid waste product will be recycled to produce fertilizers and to generate power supply in the state.
As of now solid waste products are disposed-off at two sites in Imphal, one each in Imphal East and West district.
Elaborating on the issue, he told IFP that the present disposal grounds are chosen with acknowledgement and approval of the locals, including clubs and other local bodies.
Solid wastes are dumped along the Langol-Lamphel road approaching Shija Hospital in Imphal West and along the Pong road in Porompat in Imphal East.
The IMC takes ample steps to treat and control the waste disposal grounds so as not to cause any health hazard for the people residing in the nearby areas, he said.
Five Tata dipper trucks are used to collect solid waste from all localities around Imphal Municipality areas and dropped at the two temporary dumping sites.
When asked about several other areas being used as dumping grounds other than the two designated temporary grounds, he said there are instances of local clubs and other bodies approaching the IMC to use solid waste as land-fills in certain low lying areas.
The IMC had used solid waste to fill up the KRYPSSA ground, Lamphel. The club had approached the IMC after which the IMC had used the ground as dumping ground of solid waste since 2008. Later it was covered with soil, he said.
He continued that if the council receives any complaints regarding the dumpings even after the approach from the local clubs, the dumpings are discontinued immediately.
Even though the IMC has been putting in full effort in making Imphal a clean city, the council has many shortcomings including lack of man-power and funds to pay salaries for its employees, which have adversely affected the workings of the IMC.
When asked about the water pollution along the Naga River, he clarified that since the state Public Works Department is undertaking constructions of parking lots upon the river, the IMC is yet to undertake any action regarding clearing of the river.