IMPHAL, Feb 9 – Manipur is all set to set up the first ever solid waste management (SWM) plant at Lamdeng Lokchao in Imphal west district after Imphal was selected among 63 cities of the country for the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. The main objective of the plant is for waste reduction of municipal solid waste by way of segregating the organic waste and composting for use in organic farming.
Manipur Works Minister Kangjujam Ranjit Singh formally laid the foundation stone of the much-awaited project for Imphal city, to cope with the massive urban growth, on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh-led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) ministry would be taking up various development works besides the solid waste project as part of country's urbanization. Assuring that locals would be given top priority when any job opportunity comes up for the project, he sought cooperation from the villagers for further construction activities at Lamdeng.
So far the state has spent Rs 1.23 crores while acquiring 88 acres of land including 58.34 private land for the plant. Centre has released Rs 5.80 crores out of it's total sanctioned amount of Rs 25.80 crores.
Dr Kh Loken Singh, Chairman of the Planning and Development Authority, Manipur while delivering his presidential speech, said the solid waste management project at Lamdeng is not only for Imphal but for the entire state.
Appealing to the villagers to extend support the project instead of opposing, Dr Loken expressed his willingness to conserve the greenery around the project site even if many trees were fallen during the ongoing activities. “Please come forward to protect the environment here”, he appealed.
W Brajabidhu Singh, local MLA, who wanted the development of Lamdeng as a model village along with the project, urged the government to take up necessary safety measures. He also requested to provide the necessary compensation to the villagers.
M Ranisana, chairperson of the Imphal Municipal Council, said nearly 3 lakhs Imphalites produces not less then 100 MT of solid waste everyday.