September 9, 2004

Shillong, September 9, 2004: The Syntiew Rit Mini Park was inaugurated yesterday at Umrynjah, East Khasi Hills District, by the Co-Chairman of Meghalaya State Planning Board, Mr. P.T. Sawkmie. Also present on the occasion as the Guest of Honour was the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Mr. D.P. Wahlang. The meeting was largely attended by officials of various Government Departments, executive members of the local Dorbar Shnong, students and local residents. The function was organised by the Umpling Umrynjah Watershed Association, covering 4 localities, viz., Umrynjah, Umphrew, Umjathang and Madan Mawkhar.

It may be mentioned that the Park was constructed under the Watershed Development Project and Shifting Cultivation Association (WDPSCA) of the Soil & Water Conservation Department at the total cost of Rs. 84,474/-, where Rs.50,000 was sanctioned by the Soil Conservation, Rs. 20,000 by the PWD and Rs.14,474 by the DRDA. The Park inaugurated, is part of the Entry Point Activity of the WDPSCA, to uplift the area where the project was undertaken.

Speaking at the public function as the Chief Guest, Mr. Sawkmie said that the Watershed Project of the Soil & Water Conservation Department, which has been implemented fully for the benefit of the public, bears testimony to the transparency and accountability of the Department concerned and the strong cooperation between the officials, the Umpling Umrynjah Watershed Association and the public. He added that the involvement of different Departments in bringing an all-round development in the area is indeed commendable. Stating that the rural areas have shown signs of development, Mr. Sawkmie said that the Centre and State Governments have prepared more schemes for these areas, therefore, he urged the members of the Dorbar and the public to approach the Government Departments to get first hand information on different schemes and to make proper use of them.

Expressing his views on the project, the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, who is also the Chairman of the District Watershed Development Committee (DWDC), Mr. D.P. Wahlang said the main objective in implementing this scheme is to create awareness about the hazards of felling trees for the purpose of jhum cultivation. Stating that the Centrally sponsored scheme WDPSCA, implemented in 1999-2000 will be completed in 2004-2005, he urged upon the local leaders and residents to continue with the good work and to strive forward for the all-round development of the area. Adding that the area is feasible for fish farming, he appealed to the members of the Dorbar Shnong and the public to approach the officials of the Fish Farmers Development Agency to examine the potential of fish farming in the area. Furthermore, he urged the public to cooperate with the District Administration and the Government Departments in speeding up the developmental work in the area.

Earlier, Mr. Sawkmie also gave away a cash of Rs. 10,000 to one beneficiary from the Family Benefit Scheme, sanction from the office of the Deputy Commissioner.

Apart from entertainment through songs rendered by students of Umrynjah, Madan Mawkhar and Self Help Group of Umrynjah Watershed, others who spoke on the occasion includes the Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, Shillong (T) Division who is also the Project Leader DWDC, Mr. K.W. Marbaniang, Mr. J. Manar, Rangbah Shnong, Umrynjah and President Umpling Umrynjah Watershed Association, Mr. A.S. Kharlukhi, Secretary, Umpling Umrynjah Watershed and Mr. J. Langstieh, Rangbah Shnong Madan Mawkhar and member Umpling Umrynjah Watershed Association.

Shillong, September 9, 2004: In its ongoing drive against illicit liquor, the Excise staff conducted raids in Restaurants/Stalls in the town and its outskirts during August 2004 where it detected 137 cases with a seizure of 165.480 litres of i/d liquor and 26.705 litres IMFL In this connection, 115 persons were arrested under Excise Act.

Shillong, September 9, 2004: The Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of Regional Transport Authority, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh, has informed that the travelling rate from Umden/Diwon to Nongpoh and vice versa will continue to be Rs. 20/- until further order. Any Autorickshaw/ Sumo charging more than the fixed rate shall be punishable under law.

Shillong, September 9, 2004: The Agricultural Information Officer, Directorate of Agriculture, Meghalaya, Shillong, has informed that “The Sohiong Fruit Festival” organised by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Meghalaya, will be held at the All Saint’s Cathedral Hall, Shillong, on September 10, 2004 from 10:15 A.M.