By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The traditional heads of Sohra Subdivision led by chieftain F Syiem (Syiem of Sohra) has constituted a sub-committee to spear head the movement against the withdrawal of Rs 27 crore from the Cherrapunjee Ecological project in Sohra Constituency while threatening to register a strong protest against the State government.
In a meeting held recently at the office of the Syiem of Sohra, the traditional heads of over 45 villages of Sohra have unanimously decided to demand re-consideration of the government’s decision and give back the people of Sohra the special financial assistance given by the government of India.
While terming the government decision as ‘insensitive, unfortunate and detrimental’ to the development of Sohra, the council of traditional heads of Sohra had re-submitted a letter to the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Saturday seeking explanation on the sudden withdrawal of the said amount.
The delegation had last month submitted a letter to the Chief Minister expressing resentment over the withdrawal of the amount from the Cherrapunjee Ecological project administered by the State soil and Water Conservation department.
“We have even sought an appointment with the CM, but till date, we were not given any opportunity to discuss on the matter,” general secretary of the council of traditional heads of Sohra, ER Sawain said in a statement issued here on Saturday.
Stating that the project is of great importance to the people of Sohra, Sawain said that the sudden withdrawal of the said project has raised the concerns of the traditional heads and the people of Sohra adding “The project was withdrawn without any justification and henceforth, we have decided to oppose tooth and nail against the government’s decision.”
It was also mentioned that this is the first scheme of the Union government since Independence that is addressing the fragile ecological condition of Sohra comprehensively which is deteriorating rapidly threatening the very survival of the people of Sohra Plateau.
It may be mentioned that the ambitious Cherrapunjee ecological project worth several crores of rupees, hit hurdles with the Government withdrawing the funds meant for the project for this year even as Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma assured that the Government will try to avail funds through other means.
Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Soil & Water Conservation, Rowell Lyngdoh, said that the budget provision of Rs 27 crore for this year meant for the project was withdrawn as suggested by the Planning department.