EGH DC initiates inquiry into allegations against stone quarry
TURA: In the light of allegations made by various East Garo Hills organisations that a stone mining company – Marak Favers and Stone Industries – is illegally extracting stones from within the catchment areas of the Simsang River near Samanda and its adjoining areas, the East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner has deputed magistrates to conduct an inquiry into the allegations. Earlier on Tuesday, the GSU, FKJGP and the AAYF had alleged that the quarry was extracting stones from the catchment areas including the Simsang riverbed itself and had approached the deputy commissioner seeking action against the alleged illegal activity. When contacted, East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, L Ch Marak said that judging by the photos shown to him by the organisations it appears that the allegations are true. “It will be illegal if stones are being extracted from within the catchment areas. And looking at photos shown to me, it looks like the same is being done by the quarry,” Marak said. When asked if the stones are also being extracted from the Simsang riverbed itself as alleged by the organisations, the deputy commissioner did not rule out the possibility as there are no stones that can be legally extracted from the area. However, the deputy commissioner said that the truth would be revealed only on completion of the inquiry which has already been initiated and any kind action in case of any violations will be taken only after the submission of the inquiry report.
Workshop on Garo culture to benefit youth in Tura
TURA: The Assistant Curator of the District Museum in Tura has informed that the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur under the Ministry of Culture will be organizing a 10 day “Community Learning Programme” in collaboration with the Arts and Culture Department from December 3 to 14 at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Tura from 11am onwards. The workshop will be divided into 3 segments – Garo Folklore/ literature, Garo Music (Dama) and Garo Dance Forms. The workshop aims to preserve traditional skills through the younger generation. Registration is free of cost and interested individuals can register at the District Museum in Tura or the District Library at Ringre.
National Milk Day celebration to be held in city
SHILLONG: The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department will organise a ‘National Milk Day’ programme at U Soso Tham Auditorium on November 26. National Milk Day is observed on November 26 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the ‘Father of White Revolution’. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong will grace the occasion as Chief Guest. The programme will also aim at spreading awareness on the benefits of milk. About 300 dairy farmers and 300 school children will be participating in various programmes highlighting the importance of milk. Prizes will be given out to the best performing dairy farmers/milk producers and to the winners of the quiz and essay competitions which will be centered on the topic – ‘Importance of Consuming Pasteurized Milk’. A live On-Air quiz competition, conducted by Red FM Radio will also be held one week before the event.
MePDCL issues shutdown notice
SHILLONG: The Assistant Executive Engineer of Khliehriat Distribution Sub-Division-I, MePDCL has informed that the 33/11KV Bus at Moowakhu sub-station will be shut down from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm on Thursday for maintenance work. Power supply at Khliehriat, Ladrymbai, Rymbai, Iooksi, Sutnga, Jalaphet, Saipung, Sumer, Nongkhlieh and adjoining areas will be affected during the shut-down hours.
Air Chief Marshal arrives in city
SHILLONG: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa arrived in the city on Wednesday. He was received by Air Marshal R Nambiar, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command. The Chief of Air Staff will be inaugurating the Commander’s Conference of EAC and will address the Commanders of all Air Force Stations of Eastern Air Command during his two day visit. Dhanoa is also accompanied by Kamalpreet Dhanoa, President of the Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFFWA).
Metropolis festival all set to take city by storm
SHILLONG: The 6th edition of the ‘Metropolis’ festival will be held in the city from Thursday onwards at State Central Library, All Saints Hall and Shillong Club. Centering on the theme- ‘The Earth Connect’, the three day urban winter festival will play host to various activities in different categories such as art, music, fashion, sports, adventure and others. The festival will also include a show by renowned cosplay artist Niha Novacain and other performers. In addition to this, 19 bands will be performing during the festival out of which 15 are from Shillong itself.
International Child Rights Day observed in city
SHILLONG: A two day programme was held in the city on November 20 and 21 as part of International Child Rights Day. The programme was organised by SPARK-Bringing Light to Lives, Meghalaya and centred on the objective of sensitizing children about their basic rights as well as creating awareness among parents, community and the youth on issues concerning ‘child rights’. An awareness programme on child rights, child abuse, child trafficking and other issues regarding children was held along with the screening of a documentary film on child trafficking. The programme also witnessed the active participation of the public who shared views and discussed cases related to the issues. Medical representatives from Lupin came forward acknowledging their responsibility towards society and provided food to all children present during the programme. The medical representatives also arranged an outing for underprivileged children. The programme concluded with the participants pledging to safeguard the rights of every child.