Editor,
Apropos the letter from Mr G Rani on the Sohra Eco-Restoration Project (ST Nov 1, 2012), the concern of the writer is appreciated. However some facts have to be presented to set the record straight. If the writer had checked up on the facts of the project he would have found that it had been carefully prepared and implemented with a dedication, typical of the Soil and Water Conservation Department. It has been my privilege to work in this department which seeks to serve the people of the state through simple commitment and uncomplicated solutions.
The Department did not suddenly wake up to the danger of wild fires. The threat of fire has been carefully considered and so before physical work started, the Department had worked with the local communities through recognised authorities like the Syiem of Sohra, the Dorbar Shnong, etc. and with close interaction of the SDO Sohra.
Awareness programmes were arranged on the need to protect the forests and the saplings to come. School students were actively involved, as sensitised children would be effective voices in their homes and localities. Provisions were also made for alternate livelihood choices to wean people away from the practice of keeping of destructive animals, thus giving the young plants better chances of survival. Only then were the saplings raised in nurseries, in various local areas where communities developed a sense of ownership of the plants. Local varieties, which were well adapted to local conditions were chosen. While they were being raised, pits were prepared for the saplings, 6 to 10 months before the planting time so that by the time planting was carried out, a thin layer of topsoil would have formed in the pits giving the new plants some more natural nutrition. The pits were carefully spaced according to a meticulous plan with an area of one square metre levelled for better moisture and topsoil retention, and the pit in the middle. When the Minister made a call for protection from fire, it was not an off-the-cuff appeal. It was another well-thought out step in a series of planned actions, to counter a particularly destructive practice. More still needs to be done as there is no assurance that fire will not recur. We hope the chances for such recurrence would have been lessened through several coordinated measures. If fires do take place, measures to minimise the damage, have been put in place.
If it takes years and years of nurturing to prevent such damage, as the writer says, then the people of Sohra will be challenged to stand up to it and prove that challenges are there to be overcome and the Government will rightly support the local communities in such a noble endeavour. There is no absolute guarantee against any disaster. We need to identify the possibilities, plan out measures and stick to the rules. This is a partnership between the people of Sohra, and the Government which they own.
The officers of the Department are proud of what they are doing and are energised by the genuine gratefulness of people who have seen other benefits come to the communities through water structures or village water supplies. Pools of water in an otherwise dry countryside after the monsoons are over, give reason for hope. These cannot be hidden. Funds from the Planning Commission will be available if results are proven. This important Body consciously recognises and rewards achievement. Initials results are there to be seen and the writer of the referred letter as well as members of the fourth estate can see for themselves. The Department gives an assurance that visit will be arranged. What is on the ground must be seen and the public must know the truth and see how public money has been spent. Indeed the project is not of so huge a scale yet. There is a huge challenge still left.
There is no proof that Sohra was not covered by large tracts of forests, or, that it was covered. What we know is that water and forests are inextricably linked. Nature made that link. We need to retain some more of the huge torrents of water which pour down on that area and furiously run away to Bangladesh. We need to do something about the joke that our poor neighbours are drowning from our rains while the wettest place on earth writhes in thirst. Shall we do it? Or shall we retreat because we think it is too difficult and too big? I agree with Mr Rani who says the programme is worth a try. We are. The Department of Soil and Water Conservation has a responsibility to the people of the State. It will do what it can, to the best of its ability, to fulfil it.
Yours etc.,
Barkos Warjri, I.A.S.,
Additional Chief Secretary,
Govt of Meghalaya,
Positive civic action
Editor,
I witnessed an interesting and encouraging sight as I returned from a wedding reception at Shillong Club on Nov 1, at about 10.30 pm. A Meghalaya registered car was trying to take a quick short cut towards Shillong Club from the Government House direction against the one-way rule. Five or six cars going in the right direction quickly surrounded the errant vehicle, refusing to let it go past and gently forcing it to turn back. No threats, no curses. It was civic action, in action. There is surely hope for our city if responsible citizens take it on themselves to follow the law and also put pressure on others to do likewise. Kudos to my fellow travellers, whose names I do not know.
Yours etc.,
Pauline Warjri,
Via email
Shillong Lajong Sad Story
Editor,
The report that Shillong Lajong has sacked its player Johnny Menyongar, was indeed disheartening to read. I have been a great fan of SLFC, particularly of Johnny Menyongar ever since I watched him play for United Sikkim. He was a very valuable and a great player to watch. He always made the game look beautiful when ever he played with his extra ordinary skill. I now wonder if Lajong will ever get a player of his caliber because with bigger clubs he always used to be at his best. I feel Lajong management did not handle him properly and made a hasty decision to sack him for what ever reason. But whatever had happened between him and the Club management, I am sure SLFC will pay the price without him in future games particularly with big clubs. I will miss him and I am sure thousand of his fans feel the same. I only wish the SLFC management change their minds and take him back. Good Luck Johnny Menyongar and Good Luck Shillong Lajong without him.
Yours etc.,
S. Pradhan,
Via email