Editor,
We find it appalling that officers and citizens of Tura have been sleeping over the problem of water crisis which has been creeping on us since the early 70’s. Water-holes have dried up and rivers and streams have become smaller; some have even dried up totally, leaving barren water beds that were not meant to be. Awareness programmes have become redundant as we are already aware of scarcity of water and who all are responsible. Most streams in Tura originate at Tura peak. We used to see warning signs put up by the Forest Department claiming the forest areas as ‘reserved’ at the catchment areas. These were probably put up by the British rulers. But over the years houses have come up and now the catchment areas are dangerously encroached by human habitations. The perpetrator is none other than the Forest Department which either encouraged or turned a blind eye to their own employees settling in the restricted zones. Now, people have taken a cue from this brazen flouting of rules and we see more and more houses being constructed in restricted areas while the Forest Department watches in helpless silence. However, it is not only the Forest Department that has failed its duties. One sees rampant constructions in the town areas as well. For instance, one contractor has started constructing his house over the Ringre stream bed, just behind a transformer installed by the MeECL. Since there was danger to the house and also the safety of the people, it is understood that MeECL objected to the construction, but the Chief executive Officer (CEO), Tura Municipal Board TG Momin gave the construction permit. There is a clash of interests here as the Urban Planning Officer, also happens to be the wife of the CEO, and turns a blind eye to the irregularities while genuine applications are turned down or unnecessary hurdles are created. The problem with conservation is the absence of responsible officers or lack of support from the higher authorities.
It is time that the administration pulls up its socks and appoints conscientious, educated (in terms of job responsibility) and dedicated officers in responsible positions before it is too late. In this regard, we find a ray of hope in the horizon with some positive steps being taken by the present DC of Tura, Praveen Bakshi, who, we hope will do something to arrest the situation.
Yours etc.,
Noren Ch Marak
Garbil Sangma
Tura
Jirang candidate
Editor,
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Barnabas Nangbah for visiting Jirang constituency and also for donating Rs 3 lakhs to the Umkadhar Roman Catholic Church. We welcome his request to accept him as our 2013 MLA candidate from Jirang constituency. Nangbah being an educated person, it will be a blessing for Jirang constituency to have him as our MLA in 2013. We also thank Mr Vincent Pala for contributing Rs 15 lakhs during the meeting held in the presence of Barnabas Nangbah at 9th Mile on the 8th April, 2012. We were happy to hear from our Hon’ble MP, Vincent Pala that Barnabas Nangbah the present Member MPSC will be the Congress candidate from Jirang Constituency in the 2013 MLA election. As they have both assured in the meeting held on 8th April 2012, we look forward to welcoming them again on 20th April when they will be coming to hand over another Rs 42 lakhs of the MP scheme to Jirang constituency. We thank them for their contribution and pray to the Lord to give them good health in the days to come so that they can serve us better in the future.
Yours etc.,
A K Sohpdang
M Nelson Majaw
Bansuklang Marbaniang
Shillong
In bad taste
Editor,
Apropos the letter by Ghani Zaman (ST April 20, 2012) wherein he has criticised the visit of the Government delegation to the 9th World Bamboo Congress, it is important to note that the Government is run by people’s representatives. While suggestions from the public are considered they may not always be accepted. The writer has built the private home in Kyrdem Kulai out of bamboo. He has stated that no Government official has bothered to visit it. The Minister Forests and Environment accompanied by the undersigned and the PCCF who is the head of the Forest department visited the site with the knowledge of Mr Zaman on November 16, 2011, around noon. The work done was appreciated by the officials yet the visit has not been acknowledged. Zaman was away on that day but the officials were in communication with him. The gazebo at Laitumkhrah was made very recently. The undersigned has visited it, even during its construction. Zaman had carried out a training workshop last July, organised by the Forest Department. The Government has sought to engage him in other activities concerning bamboo structures. This has not been finalised yet. However it must be noted that bamboo development also concerns other experts e.g. those involved in bamboo culture, or in diverse bamboo end-products. The complainant is perhaps not aware that an expert on bamboo culture also attended the Congress. Involvement of structural experts only would not meet the requirements for development of bamboo as a livelihood alternative. Mr Zaman being an expert had also expressed his interest in attending the World Bamboo Congress in Belgium but he could not be accommodated in the Government delegation.
Yours etc.,
Barkos Warjri, I.A.S.,
Additional Chief Secretary,
Forests & Environment
Government of Meghalaya.