Ensure No Garbage Pile Up In Jowai Till Waste Disposal Unit Is Commissioned: Meghalaya High Court

The bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Deingdoh observed,

“Once the relevant unit becomes functional, the State, in conjunction with the Jowai Municipal Board, will work out modalities for waste from different parts of the Jowai town to be reached to the unit and places where local residents and commercial entities may dump their waste for such waste to be ferried to the disposal unit”.

While closing the PIL on the subject the bench also circumscribed a timeline observing that such plan should be chalked out in course of the next month so that it can be implemented from day one of the commissioning of the unit.

The court passed these directions while hearing a plea seeking redressal of irregular waste collection in Jowai, a town in Meghalaya.

The petitioner submitted that despite the previous orders of this Court, there has been irregular collection of waste, particularly from residents in Jowai. The Jowai Municipal Board, however, contended that the schedule indicated earlier is being adhered to.

Emphasising the completion of the 10-TPD solid waste-management system, the bench urged the Jowai Municipal Board to adhere rigorously to the previously submitted schedule. While underscoring the retrieval of the Monsson and the diminished waste-related health hazards the court directed,

“However, the Jowai Municipal Board, which has been somewhat lacking in its performance, should ensure that the schedule submitted in Court is strictly adhered to and waste is collected both from residential and commercial units till such time that a new system is put in place upon the waste disposal unit being commissioned”.

These fresh directions follow an order dated July 24, 2023, where the court had commended the petitioner and the State for their efforts in managing waste during the Behdeinkhlam festival. The court had acknowledged the additional measures taken but had also cautioned against withdrawing them, stressing their continued importance until the permanent waste disposal system is operational.

Case Title: Synjuk Ki Waheh Shnong Jowai Vs State of Meghalaya & ors.

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