SHILLONG: A noble initiative, however small it may appear in nature, inadvertently goes a long way in serving more than one purpose.
In one such initiative, the Dorbar Shnong of Mawlai Mawroh in order to ease the troubles of the people, especially the women whose livelihood depends on washing clothes, has made sure that the footpath leading to the washing area, otherwise slippery, is turned into a concrete pathway.
The construction of the footpath in the area is a step towards protecting the streamlet which is currently under threat of human encroachment, the Dorbar said. It also maintained that this streamlet which sustains the lives of many people needs to be protected for the sake of the livelihood of those dependent on it.
“Besides ensuring safety and easy accessibility to people, this small initiative is also a move towards ensuring that the water resource and the lush green area surrounding the streamlet is protected in the long run,” Mawroh Rangbah Shnong, Peter G Lamare said.
Once a slippery, narrow path featuring a wooden feeble footbridge, the area has now turned into a concrete, proper and safe footpath thanks to the initiative of the Dorbar Shnong which walked the extra mile to ensure that the welfare of the people, especially the disadvantaged ones, is taken care of.
Inaugurated by Mawlai MLA, Embhah Syiemlieh on Saturday, the construction of the footbridge and footpath leading to the streamlet was sanctioned under the Mylliem C &RD Block under SRWP 2014-15 at an estimated cost of Rs 3, 75, 000.
The footpath and footbridge was also inaugurated as part of the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of the Dorbar Shnong of Mawlai Mawroh.
The stream has for the past many years provided a place for the people of Mawroh to wash their clothes and the Dorbar is aiming to utilise the water resource for a bigger purpose.
It may be mentioned that this stream is also a source of drinking water for the people of Mawlai as it flows to the Umsohlang dam.
Admitting that the stream is a victim of human encroachment, the local MLA said that the water body which is a source of livelihood for many people will be protected and restored through various schemes which include construction of a dam.
“The concern aired by the people should be backed by their ability to preserve and protect the stream. It’s you who will ensure that the surrounding of the area around the stream is not destroyed and cleanliness should be the top priority of every citizen,” Syiemlieh added.
