SHILLONG: Chief Secretary PBO Warjri expressed concern over the depletion of the various water bodies which are emerging from Lumshyllong (Shillong Peak).
According to him, there are around seven water bodies which emerged from Lumshyllong.
“The protection of these water bodies is very critical since it is source of drinking water to the people of Shillong city and villages surrounding this peak. We have to act before it is too late,” Chief Secretary said while speaking at the inauguration of the silver jubilee celebration of the Nongkrem Youth Development Association (NYDA) which was held at the Youth Cultural Centre and Village Community Hall, Nongkrem village on Wednesday.
Warjri also raised concern over the pollution of the Umiew River which is the major source which feeds the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme.
According to him, the people of Nongkrem village can play a very critical role since the river passes through the village. “The people of this village can set an example to other villages by protecting this very important river,” Warjri said.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary also expressed concern over the rapid depletion of the environment across the State.
He urged upon the youth of the village, especially young students to take up the challenge in protecting the environment. “We have to protect the environment at any cost since it is our future,” Warjri said.
The Chief Secretary said that the only way to lead a healthy life is to be able to breathe fresh air and consume clean drinking water. “This is possible only if we protect the environment and the surroundings,” he said.
Moreover, the Chief Secretary congratulated the association for completing 25 years of its journey.
“I request the association to continue their good work for the betterment of the village in the years to come. Personally, I am really impressed with some of the work which I have witnessed,” he said.
Meanwhile, former secretary of the association M Warbah informed that the association was formed on 21 July 1990 and initially it was known as Nongkrem Student Association.
According to him, the association was renamed as Nongkrem College Student Association in 1994 and in 2000, it was finally named as Nongkrem Youth Development Association (NYDA).
On the occasion, the association felicitated the Principal of Pahsyntiew Memorial Secondary School, Victory Kharsyntiew for receiving the national award and Nongkrem Government Upper Primary School, Grace Melcia Rose Lyngdoh for receiving the district award during this year’s Teacher’s Day celebration.
The NYDA also felicitated Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan District Youth Coordinator Dr Singh Salam with the special award for his enormous contributions in the different activities of the association.
Other who speaks on the occasion includes Syiem of Hima Khyrim, Dr BS Syiem and Nongkrem Dorbar Pyllun chairman, B Lyngdoh.