Editor,
I appreciate the initiative undertaken by the Government along with the student community in eco-restoration of Sohra. This is in response to the article that appeared in your dailies under the caption “Restoration of beauty and greenery of Sohra” (ST jan 24, 2012). Participatory methods of conducting any development work is successful and sustainable. Sohra is a dream destination for every individual and for domestic and international tourist. Children can play a prominent role and act as whistle blowers in maintaining the restoration work. School teachers through Environmental Education Programmes which are already included in the school curriculum, can motivate the young minds. However, it is necessary to create a batch of interested young talented environment groups in every school through out Meghalaya under the flagship of Green School Programs to create awareness among the community. Teachers, educators, students, development workers and people interested in environment education can be a part of the organisation.
The idea is to create a mass awareness among the student community and the common masses about securing the degrading environment and the possibility of restoring it before it is too late. Massive plantation is necessary. Creating pockets of nurseries to be maintained by every student or community members is more important. Rural school students can grow and nurture indigenous plants in and around the school premises with the help of Social Forestry Department. Sohra is rich in orchids, and creating various orchid gardens can generate income for the community and help in their propagation and random extraction from the wilds. I request every reader cutting across borders for possible suggestions and feed back and also make Meghalaya Green and Clean. I request every one to visit www.cseindia.org/content/all-new-green-schools-training-programme.
Yours etc.,
Nitul Das,
Via email
Much ado about railways
Editor,
An article in The Assam Tribune by Arup Dutta regarding a proposed railway line between Cherra -Mawsmai-Therria Companygunj in present Bangladesh in 1883 says though the amount were sanctioned, the incline proved too difficult to complete. If we already had a railway line then would the local NGOs say something against it? We Khasi people always like the advice given by the Englishman but when our own Government proposes anything we oppose it. I am pretty sure that if have had a railway link since the British times then we would have never opposed it because of our love for the British. I guess your esteemed paper should think about promoting the railway link of the state as we desperately need to be at par with the other small states. I would really like to read the editor’s article about the pros and cons of having the state linked by a railroad.
Yours etc.,
Batiston D Waanbah
Via email