Clean course likely for city streams project

SHILLONG: The state’s project to clean up the Umshyrpi and the Wahumkhrah, the two major streams flowing through the city, may finally get the Centre’s approval after four years.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Water Resources River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and Parliamentary Affairs, has assured that the pending projects in Meghalaya as far as water resources are concerned will be cleared within a few days.
Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday on the sidelines of Sankalp se Siddhi exhibition, Meghwal said he has reviewed the water resources projects which are awaiting the Centre’s approval.
The state government had submitted a detailed project report on rejuvenating and preserving the Umshyrpi and the Wahumkhrah in 2013. The project, at an estimated cost of Rs 4,645.81 lakh, is still awaiting approval of the Ministry of Water Resources.
The river project was conceptualised to control frequent floods occurring in the Pynthorumkhrah area, protection of agricultural land and control overflowing of the Wahumkhrah and the Umshyrpi.
Meghwal pointed out that the Centre has made an elaborate plan to clean all rivers, including some in the North East.
“In fact, the North East is a focus area for us and we are regularly reminding our ministers to come here and submit a report on what interventions are required for development of the region,” he said. “We will also observe water week in New Delhi and many officers from here (Meghalaya) will attend the meet and so whatever projects are pending, we will clear it and accordingly release funds in a few days,” he added.
Citizenship Bill pending with House panel
Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Minister of State for Water Resources River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and Parliamentary Affairs, said the Citizenship Bill is pending with the parliamentary committee.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Meghwal said once the committee submits its report, it would be taken up before the Cabinet that would decide whether to forward the bill to Parliament.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, which seeks to provide citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshi migrants in India, is facing stiff resistance in Assam and other parts of the region.