JOWAI: An 80-metre footbridge constructed across river Myntang at Mooshrot village with an aim of benefitting local farmers was constructed by the Soil and Water Conservation Department at the cost of Rs. 17.50 lakhs and inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister, Rowell Lyngdoh on Wednesday.
The Director Soil and Water Conservation, D Langstieh informed that the concerned department sanctioned Rs. 13.50 lakh. The remaining was assisted by the Meghalaya Rural Development Society (MRDS) and Rs. 1.5 lakh and Rs. 2.5 lakh was contributed by the villagers.
Langstieh also informed that the scheme was supposed to complete in 2009-10 but due to unavoidable circumstances it could be only completed this year.
He further informed that the Soil and Water Conservation Department sanction Rs. 3 crore for improvement of Agriculture activities in an area covering 2000 hectare. The scheme will benefit the farmers of Sahsniang, Mooshrot, Tum-tum and Thangthring. Langstieh also informed that four micro-watershed were constructed in the area to help farmers. Micro-Watershed including the Lower Umboo Watershed, Upper Umboo Watershed, Umheh Watershed and the Umtum Watershed constructed in the area has help the farmers of the area.
The Deputy Chief Minister that all difficulties face by farmers in the area will be taking care and the government will try its best to see that such difficulties be solved in order to benefit the farmers economically.