By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: After demands for upgradation of a civil sub-division to a district from various sections in West Khasi Hills, the government is yet again faced with a new demand from the Mawsynram C & RD block to upgrade the block to a civil sub -division.
After Mawkyrwat and Mairang’s endless demand for upgradation of their civil sub-division to a district, Mawsynram C & RD Block has entered the circle with a fresh demand asking the government to realize the potential of this area in tourism by upgrading the block to a civil sub division.
“This is the second oldest block in the state and we think, it deserves an upgradation in every aspect especially if the government wants to promote tourism in this area and the state as a whole”, secretary of Mawsynram Dorbar Shnong, H Rapsang said.
Briefing the press on the need to upgrade this block here on Saturday, Rapsang said this area despite being one of the major attractions to tourists has suffered many setbacks due to the unavailability of guest houses, proper road connectivity, poor services, poor infrastructure and various others.
“There is an urgent need to upgrade this block, though we know there is hardly any difference between a block and a civil sub division but we feel something is better than nothing”, Rapsang asserted.
Reiterating on the poor delivery system to tourists, Rapsang recalled the International Caving Expedition in Mawsynram where he mentioned that some foreigners expressed disappointment over the lack of guest houses and bad road conditions.
“Such incidents bring shame not only to the local residents but also the state as a whole and if tourism is one of the ways to boost the state’s exchequer then the government has to open its eyes to the availability of such resources like the ones we have here by providing good infrastructure and the like”, Rapsang added.
Rapsang further mentioned that Mawsynram, a home to over 50,000 people as per the 2001 census has now increased in both population and unemployment problems.
“With the emergence of these problems, the stagnant state of Mawsynram is not going to help the people”, Rapsang stated.
“This issue had been started since 1987 but sadly since no follow up had been carried out, the issue was left in the abyss”, Rapsang said adding that they will pursue the matter and subsequently submit a memorandum to the government after their general meeting on March 22 of which they expect positive response from the government.
Meanwhile, the decision of Mawsynram Block has come as a serious blow to the Mawkyrwat Civil Sub Division when they have widely rejected the latter’s proposal to include Mawsynram within its jurisdiction if Mawkyrwat is upgraded to a district.
“We are happy to be a part of East Khasi Hills District”, Rapsang said adding that it is easy for them since Shillong, being the state capital, is the headquarter of East Khasi Hills. “So it is easier for us when we look at things from this perspective.’’