17 entry/exit points to be set up in 1st phase

SHILLONG:  As many as 17 entry and exit points will be made operational in the first phase as per the government level discussion held here on Wednesday.
The status of entry and exit points in the state as demanded by the pressure groups was reviewed by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma during a high level meeting.
The State  Chief Secretary KS Kropha told reporters on Wednesday that in phase 1, as many as 17 entry and exit points have been identified by the government and land acquisition process is going on in this regard.
Out of the 17, in two cases, social impact assessment has been completed while in West Khasi Hills, the NOC of KHADC is awaited.
The districts where the entry and exit points will be set up include Ri Bhoi, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, North Garo Hills, West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills.
In Ri Bhoi, the entry and exit points will be set up in 12th and 19th mille before reaching Byrnihat.
The state government will also wait for the Tenancy Bill which has already been referred to a select committee  of the  Assembly so that the provisions in the Bill can be implemented while dealing with entry and exit points.
According to Chief Secretary,  the entry and exit points will act as facilitation centers for the visitors to the state and the government is planning to acquire 15 acres  in few areas where the entry and exit points will come up.
“We are planning to provide all civic amenities in entry and exit points and a healthy image of the state will be projected. The   staff strength to man the points will also be worked out”, the Chief Secretary said. .
The state government will sit again within a week’s time to ensure an appraisal on the overall infrastructure required to set the ball rolling.
All line departments which include labour and revenue have been instructed to complete auditing of their manpower, sorces said while adding that various line departments are going to be part of the exercise to ensure objective is fulfilled.