Inclement weather to continue
SHILLONG: The northeastern region, including Meghalaya, is set to experience a turbulent weather in the coming days. As per the India Meteorological Department, thunder squall with wind speed reaching up to 55 kmph is likely to occur in isolated areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura in the coming few days. In addition, light to moderate rain and thundershower is likely in isolated areas in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura in the next few days. For the last two days, light to moderate rain occurred in many places in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya. Shillong city also witnessed thundershowers accompanied by lightning and strong winds.
BSF launches boat service
SHILLONG: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday took an initiative to address the grievances of the local populace of Gumaghat area, South West Khasi Hills, and provided them boat/ferry service to help them cross the Jadukata river. The locals from around 12 villages of Gumaghat area were facing hurdles for a long time while crossing the river during monsoon. Kuldeep Saini, Inspector General, Frontier HQ BSF, Meghalaya inaugurated the service for both passengers and vehicles to cross the river. Locals expressed their gratitude to BSF for providing such service for the first time.
Anti-tobacco programme
Shillong: A state-level orientation-cum-sensitisation programme on National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) for stakeholders was held at Hotel Poinisuk on Wednesday. Addressing the gathering, the secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Pravin Bakshi said that NTCP’s initiatives is to create awareness on the ill-effects of tobacco. He also stated that implementation of these initiatives can be achieved through mass campaigns when all stakeholders and different government departments like health, education, police, labour, excise registration taxation stamps, etc come together. Bakshi further indicated that there is a high rate of tobacco consumers in the rural areas of the state. It was also pointed out during the programme that there are about 12 lakh tobacco consumers, ageing from 15 years and above. NTCP will target four districts, namely East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, Ri Bhoi district and West Garo Hills. A similar orientation and sensitisation programme for medical and dental officers will also be held on Thursday.
Polling stations relocated
Shillong: The District Election Officer, East Khasi Hills district on Wednesday informed that the polling stations in South Shillong and Mylliem assembly constituencies have been relocated. Under South Shillong, the polling station building for Rilbong ‘C’ (East Wing) and Rilbong ‘D’ (West Wing) has been relocated to Rilbong PN Chaudhuri Higher Secondary School (East and West Wing) respectively. Meanwhile, under Mylliem, the polling station for Nongkseh ‘A’ (North Wing) and Nongkseh ‘D’ (South Wing) are shifted from ground floor to the first floor of St Gabriel Higher Secondary School, Nongkseh (North and South Wing).
East, North Garo Hills observers
TURA: With a view to ensure the smooth conduct of elections to the Tura seat, the General Observer in-charge of East and North Garo Hills, Anurag Pandey, IAS, has arrived in East Garo Hills. The General Observer, who will be looking after the 7 Assembly segments of the two districts, for election related matters, will be available at Room No.1 of Williamnagar Circuit House and his contact number is 9366002498.
Training in civil defence held
NONGPOH: The valedictory function of Civil Defence voulunteers was held at Pahamsyiem Community hall in Nongpoh on Wednesday. Addressing the gathering, Officer-in charge, Civil Defence PH Shylla said the main aim of civil defence is to empower the community by imparting training on first aid, search and rescue, flood safety, etc. He also urged the volunteers to make full use of Civil Defence training in service of the Community. Shylla asked the volunteers to spread the wisdom they gained during the training, so that other members of the community will learn basic life-saving skills and utilise it in their day-to-day lives. Course-completion certificates were also distributed to 50 civil defence volunteers.