SHILLONG: Meghalaya Additional Chief Secretary in-charge Soil and Water Conservation Department, P.B.O. Warjri on Saturday inaugurated the Umsaw Multi Purpose Water Harvesting Structure at Umsaw Khliehshnong, Sohra in the presence of Cyril V.D. Diengdoh, SDO (Civil), Sohra Civil Sub-Division, D. Langstieh, Director Soil and Water Conservation, K.M. Syiem, Additional Director Soil and Water Conservation, F. Tariang, Headmen Khliehshnong, Sohra among others.
The one hectare RCC Dam was constructed across the stream by the Soil and Water Conservation Department under the Restoration of degraded land under Sohra Plateau at a total cost of Rs. 27 lakh.
Speaking on the occasion at a function held at the Dorbar Hall of Khliehshnong, Sohra, Warjri said that many of the rain water harvesting projects implemented by the Soil and Water Conservation Department under the Cherrapunjee Ecological Project have been successfully completed and found to be very beneficial for the people of the area. He also expressed satisfaction that Sohra has been rejuvenated and found greener than in the previous years.
Warjri said that the rain water harvest project, in which, the water would be conserved in an area of one hectare would definitely help in conserving the water and consequently rejuvenate the ecosystem.
Warjri urged the people of Sohra including the student community to cooperate with the State Government to further improve the environment around Sohra so that the future generation will be able to reap the fruits of their hard work. Director of Soil and Water Conservation, D Langstieh informed that due to massive awareness on preservation of the environment, the people have stopped burning the forest around Sohra and was hopeful that the forest would come up and the area greener in the coming years. Others highlights of the day included the release of one quintal of fingerlings into the dam and planting of saplings around the area by Warjri along with other dignitaries and local people.