September 27, 2004

Shillong, September 27, 2004: The Treatment Plant of the Greater Mawiong Water Supply was inaugurated by the Co-Chairman, Meghalaya State Planning Board, Mr. P.T. Sawkmie on September 25, 2004 at Mawiong. Among others who were present at the inaugural function were the Chief Engineer, Public Health Engineering, Mr. R.B. Purkayastha as the Guest of Honour, Mr. K. War, Superintending Engineer, PHE and Headmen of Mawiong-Umjapung and Mawiong Rim.

In his speech as the Chief Guest, Mr. P.T. Sawkmie, who is also the local MLA, thanked the Chief Engineer and his team for their commitment in setting up this Plant in a record time of 3 years. He also expressed his gratitude to the Forest Department for providing 5000 sq.ft of land to build the Treatment Plant. Stating that water is one of the most important basic necessities of man, he said that for the time being, 30 platforms have been earmarked for Mawiong Umjapung and 10 for Mawiong Rim, and soon the Department will increase the public tap according to the needs. Regarding the memorandum submitted by the two localities, Mr. Sawkmie said that he will take up the matter with the Government and the Department concerned. He also urged upon the public to be alert of pipe theft and to contact the Department if there is any defect in the water supply line.

Mr. Sawkmie also informed the public that the Community Health Centre at Mawiong will be inaugurated this year.

Expressing his gratitude to the MLA and the people of the area, Mr. R.B. Purkayastha, CE, PHE, said that without their dedication and commitment, none of this would have happened. He added that the aim of setting up this Treatment Plant is to get the best possible quality of water similar to the water provided from the Mawphlang Treatment Plant. With regard to providing house connection in the area, Mr. Purkayastha said that he will look into the matter in the revised tariff of the Department.

It may be mentioned that the Quality Improvement Treatment Plant of the Greater Mawiong Water Supply is a single stage pumping scheme sanctioned for providing water supply to Mawiong-Umjapung and Mawiong Rim. This plant provides 0.25 million gallon per day to the two localities. The sanctioned amount is Rs. 146.66 lakhs under the RGNDWM (Sub-Mission), in which the amount was shared between the Central and State Government on a 75:25 basis. The Central share is 109.995 lakhs while the State share is 36.665 lakhs.

Shillong, September 27, 2004: The Central Government has announced financial assistance from the Consumer Welfare Fund to any registered NGO’s Agency/Social Organisations or Village/Mandal/Samity for undertaking Consumer Protection/Consumer Welfare activities. This was informed by the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong.

For details, interested registered Social Organisations/ Agencies/NGO’s etc may contact the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Supply), East Khasi Hills District, Shillong.