SKM MLA gives 10-day ultimatum to UDHD, GMC...Urges proper waste management in Lower Martam

Dr. Mechung Bhutia (R) MLA addressing a press conferance in 

Gangtok

DICHEN ONGMU, EOI, Gangtok, 4 Aug 2014: The SKM MLA from Rumtek-Martam constituency Dr. Mechung Bhutia today announced in a press meet that he has given a 10-day ultimatum to the State UD&HD and GMC to manage the wastes and streamline the waste management process at the dumping grounds in Lower Martam.

He warned the concerned departments of going into protest if they failed to take any initiative at the end of 10 days. He along with the local residents of Lower Martam will hold the protest and will not allow wastes to be dumped in the area, Dr. Bhutia stated.

“The municipal sewage waste being dumped at lower Martam is unprofessional and unethical. It is a complete management failure and is being continued since the past 8 years,” he informed. The wastes are being dumped beyond the allotted area and can be seen spilling into the river (Rani Khola) nearby and polluting it, he said.

Wastes spilling out into Rani Khola at the dumping grounds in

 Lower Martam.

“On what grounds did the Sate Pollution Control Board issue the NOC for the land?” Dr. Bhutia questioned, while adding he has already written to the board about the issue on July 28 and is awaiting a response. He also urged the State Pollution Control Board to intervene and make sure waste management area is 30 meters away from both the river belt and NH 31A.

Such negligence will cause pollution and will give rise to a number of water born diseases. “We do not want the waste to be dumped here, but since there is scarcity of land for such use, we want the Government to at least manage the wastes scientifically, so that the people and the environment are not affected” Dr. Bhutia suggested.

The SKM MLA urged the departments to stop passing the bucks and find ways to segregate degradable and non-degradable wastes before being dumped, ensure a compost plan, issue health insurance to the workers collecting the wastes as their health status is very poor and conduct human mapping.

He also asked the State health department to visit the area and conduct health camps, as many people staying nearby are said to be suffering from TB, MDR, lungs and stomach related problems.

“There are four schedules according to Solid Waste Management Rules 2013, whereas not even one schedule is being followed in Sikkim, he informed. Biologically hazardous wastes are also found to be dumped here,” Dr. Bhutia claimed.

The public have been raising this issue to UD&HD and Municipal Corporation but it is left unheard. It is reported that 40 tons of wastes of the entire East district is being dumped every day at Lower Martam and is in the verge of causing epidemic outbreak in the nearby areas such as 14th mile, 32nd mile, Nimtar and Mangthang.

Deepak Chettri, a local resident, said many promises were made while constructing the dumping grounds in Lower Martam. “The government had promised employment for locals and had said it will manage the wastes as it is being managed in Bangalore, but nothing has been done as promised,” he added.

Deepak said many pharmaceutical companies are also dumping their harmful wastes at the dumping yard without any prior inspection for potential hazards.  “We have complained to the in-charge several times but no one has taken any initiative to resolve this issue”, he lamented.

Dr. Mechung concluded he and the people of Lower Martam will wait until August 9 for the two departments to respond and take necessary steps thereafter.