By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government has decided to raise a new battalion, Meghalaya Ecological Battalion, for safeguarding the environment.
Announcing this here on Wednesday, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said that the proposed Meghalaya Ecological Battalion would consist of ex-servicemen and new recruits.
Speaking to media persons after the Rajya Sainik Board meeting, Dr Sangma said that Rs 70-80 crore would be required for setting up of this battalion comprising around 1,800 personnel.
According to him, the raising of this battalion was quite relevant in the State of Meghalaya to take care of the ecological balance of the State.
On the other hand, the Secretary of the Board, Brig William Sturgeon said that the Meghalaya Government would have to bear all the expenses pertaining to this battalion since it would be exclusively for the State.
The necessary expertise for the battalion would be provided by the Army, he added. According to him, once this battalion was in place, it would address the security aspect of the tourism sector too.
During the meeting, various issues relating to the problems of the ex-servicemen and widows were also discussed.
The Chief Minister said that the Government has mulled a plan to construct the office of Zila Sainik Board office in Shillong at an estimated cost of Rs 4.2 crore and the land for the purpose has already been identified.
Government has a plan to setup the Zila Sainik Board office in Tura in addition to the proposed establishment of a sainik school near Garobadha, he said.