Shillong | July 2, 2024:

The Operation Clean-Up (OCU) team, active in river cleaning since 2019, met with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on July 2 to address environmental concerns. Led by Patricia Mukhim, the 13-member team urged the Chief Minister to ban single-use plastic bags, the primary pollutants in rivers. They also highlighted the need to monitor illegal mines and quarries responsible for deforestation and drying up catchments.

The OCU proposed that royalties paid to the Forest Department for clearing forests for road construction should be redirected to local communities for eco-restoration efforts. They also stressed the importance of extending waste management beyond Shillong and district headquarters to prevent villagers from burning non-biodegradable waste. The team suggested promoting reusable menstrual pads to reduce disposable waste in rivers.

OCU raised concerns about the imminent threat to Umiam Lake from accumulated garbage, mainly thermocol used for packing fish. They requested the CM's intervention to prevent further sedimentation.

Responding to these points, CM Sangma noted the existing ban on plastic bags below 75 microns and ongoing initiatives to produce biodegradable bags by December 2024. He acknowledged the need for clarity on the reported 1,700 illegal mines/quarries, many of which are abandoned. While total bans on stone and sand quarrying are impractical, quarries near rivers and roadsides should be stopped.

Regarding forest royalties, the CM mentioned that 50% goes to Autonomous District Councils but promised to consider sharing royalties with communities for environmental protection. He emphasized the challenge of managing waste in Meghalaya's 7,000 villages but supported entrepreneurial waste recovery systems. The IIM Shillong, in partnership with OCU, will lead a waste management business plan competition.

The CM praised the reusable sanitary pads by Shubham NGO and invited a formal project proposal for funding. He tasked the OCU and Meghalaya Institute of Governance with preparing a comprehensive pilot master plan for waste management.

OCU comprises Team Jiva, Martin Luther Christian University, Kiddies Corner School, Col Sishupal Security Company (CSSC), Shubham NGO, IIM Shillong, and other concerned individuals.