DC’s intervention sought for road repair
MAWKYRWAT: The Joint Committee Hynniew Shnong, Mawthawpdah area, South West Khasi Hills district met deputy commissioner R Lyngdoh on October 4 demanding immediate repair of the dilapidated road from Laitlawsnai to Mawthong which has become a nightmare for the people in the area.Speaking to the Shillong Times, Commander Shangpliang from Nonglynkien village who led the delegation of headmen and village leaders from 7 villages in the area said that the people from Mawsep, Pynden Mawramhah, Mawjyrsim, Laitlawsnai, Rangdikhew, Mawsynrap & Mawthong village faced a lot of problems because of the pathetic condition of the road which has caused havoc and inconveniences to the people residing in the area.“Since August 2017, all light vehicles including Sumos cannot ply through the road because of the potholes along the entire road,” Shangpliang said.He also informed that the Deputy Commissioner assured the delegation that she will take up the issue with the authorities concern and that she also urged upon the Sub-divisional Officer, Mawsaw PWD Sub-division who was present during the meeting to do something about the road.
WGH villagers seek probe into VEC graft
TURA: Residents of Moulakandi in West Garo Hills have alleged that the secretary of the Village Employment Council (VEC) misappropriated funds meant for two projects, which have remained incomplete, and sought inquiry into the matter. In a complaint to Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi, the residents said two VEC projects — embankment with boulders and pitching and community land development and retaining wall at Moulakandi — have been abandoned with only 30 per cent of the work completed.The locals added that while some job card holders have been paid their wages, payment is yet to be made to around 80 job card holders despite their MIS already having been done.The residents alleged that sanction of both wages and materials has been misappropriated by the VEC secretary.Earlier in June, an RTI was filed with Block Development Officer of Selsella seeking information as well as copies of records on the two projects, reply to which is still to be given even after the passing of over three months.In their letter to the deputy commissioner, the residents requested to conduct a judicial probe into the matter.On August 1, the request made to the BDO for a probe by residents did not materialise
Lightning destroys house in WKH
NONGSTOIN: A house at Khartein village near Mawlaidong in West Khasi Hills was struck by lightning on Wednesday and caught fire resulting in total damage. Speaking to reporters, the owner of the house, Merkhior Pariong said that a fire broke out when the lightning with fire struck the house at around 1.30 pm. Eye witnesses said they saw “a fireball” hitting the house and it started raining heavily after some time. He also said that fortunately he had gone to fetch firewood from the nearby forest when the incident happened and that his wife and children were staying at Shillong.“I was shocked to see that within 10 minutes the house was burnt down and his belongings were all gone,” he added.
GHADC MDC urges action against illegal toll gate
TURA: GHADC MDC from Boldamgre Stevie Marak has sought action against the lessee of Ampati Haat for setting up an illegal 24-hour toll gate at Latri Junction on the way to Ampati and collecting money from goods vehicles.“As per GHADC rules, collection of taxes from weekly markets are allowed only in the market and on market days and no tax can be collected beyond 3 km from the main bazaar area. Nor can collection be made from goods vehicles just passing through. Tax can be levied only on goods that are to be sold on that particular market,” Marak said.Stating that this is not the first time that the lessee has been making illegal collections in the name of the council, Marak urged the executive member in-charge of haats as well as departments concerned in GHADC to cancel the lease and take legal action against him.Marak also urged the DC and the SP of South West Garo Hills to close down the illegal toll gate and take necessary action against those manning it.
Ri Bhoi BJP office inaugurated
Nongpoh: With barely a few months left for the state assembly election in the state, the Bharat Janata Party in Ri Bhoi District was inaugurated on Thursday at Nongpoh as part of its initiative to strengthen the party in the upcoming state assembly polls.The office was inaugurated by the state general secretary of BJP, Bashai Khongwir in the presence of district president, B.B Makdoh, president of Nongpoh BJP Mandal, Anthony Kharnaior, party workers from different polling booths and supporters. Addressing the inaugural function as chief guest, Bashai Khongwir lauded the supporters and party workers of Ri Bhoi for their ability to open the office party which is one of the initiatives in strengthening the party in the upcoming polls.
Ex-chief of Seng Khasi a BJP ticket aspirant from Sohra
SHILLONG: Sohra BJP Mandal has unanimously decided to recommend the name of former president of Seng Khasi, Bantei Rumnong as the candidate from Sohra constituency.This was decided in a meeting attended by 300 members from the unit and polling booth to field a candidate from Sohra constituency on Thursday.The meeting has resolved to strengthen the party base in the constituency and to extend support to Rumnong. It also elected the president, secretary and other office bearers of the different Morcha.
NHAI conducts eye camp for truck drivers
SHILLONG: The project implementation unit (PIU) of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Shillong is conducting a free eye check-up campaign for truck drivers at Pahammawlein Toll Plaza (Umling) on the four-lane Jorabat-Barapani Highway. Ri Bhoi deputy commissioner, C.P Gotmare inaugurated the five-day camp on October 2. A team of doctors along with National Highways Authority of Indiaofficials were present during the inauguration. As part of NHAI’s social responsibility, the Bansara Eye Care Centre, Shillong assisted in the conduct of the camp which concludes tomorrow.Truck drivers are frequent users of national highways and vulnerable to highway mishaps and accidents because of lack of access to eye care facilities. Overall 322 truck drivers and cleaners have been checked and free glasses were distributed along with medicine prescribed by doctors. NHAI accords paramount importance to safe travel along the national highways and the camp was conducted as a step towards ensuring road safety.