By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: HSPDP MDC Enbin K Raswai has enquired on the delay in holding of the Monolith Festival even as questioning the status of the proposed ‘Heritage Village’ near the sacred grove at Mawphlang which was funded under the 13th Finance Commission to host the festival.
“I fail to understand why it is taking so much time despite the decision to hold the festival being taken a long time back. This is giving a negative impression in eyes of the public on the functioning of the whole Council,” Raswai said while participating in the general discussion on the vote on account on the final day of the Budget Session on Friday.
He urged upon that the Executive Committee (EM) to take immediate measures in organising the festival at the earliest. Raswai also questioned on the steps being taken to clean the Wahumkhrah River.
“I know some funds have been earmarked for this purpose. But everyone is clueless how the funds have been utilized to clean the river,” Raswai said.
The HSPDP MDC also expressed concern over the exploitation of the poor farmers by the non-tribal businessman at Iewduh.
“It is said that Iewduh is a centre of economic activities for the local indigenous people. But in reality, it is non-tribal businessmen who are dictating the business in this traditional market,” Raswai said.
According to him, the poor farmers from the villagers are at the mercy of the non-tribal businessmen. “The farmers are selling their agricultural produce at the price being fixed by the non-tribal businessman. The fact is that the farmers are selling their produce at a very cheap price,” he said.
The HSPDP MDC urged upon the EC to step in by fixing a minimum price for the agricultural produce so that poor farmers are not being exploited.
Participating in the general discussion, Congress MDC Manstudy Nongrem stressed upon the need to protect the land of the local indigenous population from being exploited by the non-tribal entity.
“We need to legislate laws to protect our land,” Nongrem said.
The Congress MDC however suggested that the EC should earmark funds for fencing of the various forest areas under the Council.
In reply, KHADC CEM Pynshngain N Syiem admitted that there has been a delay in holding of the festival.
“The EC would take measures to see that the festival is being organised at the earliest,” Syiem said while also assuring that the Council would sought a clarification from the concerned contractor about the status of the proposed Heritage Village.
The KHADC CEM however informed that the Council have release the funds for cleaning of the Wahumkhrah River to the various Dorbar Shnong who are adjacent to the river. “I have informed that the Dorbar Shnong have taken steps to prevent garbages following directly into the river,” he said.