Forum raises stadium construction issue
TURA: The New Tura Development Forum (NTDF) has submitted a reminder of its earlier memorandum to Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh requesting that overall quality of works is maintained in the construction of the P A Sangma Stadium at Dakopgre in Tura. Earlier on July 17 this year, the forum had submitted a memorandum to Lyngdoh urging him to ensure that locally available quality stones are used in the construction, the overall work is done under proper supervision and monitoring and that specialists and experts are engaged to verify the quality of materials being used in the construction. The forum lamented that no action towards the request was seen so far from the government’s side despite the fact the National Games to be held in the state was just round the corner. “We have not seen any change in the work going on at the stadium like we requested. Tura may get a chance to host some of the disciplines of the National Games. However, if there is no effort to improve the construction, that prospect is bleak,” the forum said.
GSU demands clarification on extortion claims
TURA: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU), South Zone along with its Siju Sub Unit have demanded a clarification from the Manager of MP Agarwal company in Guwahati for allegedly spreading false information among the villagers that leaders of the union along with the Nokma of Tollegre had demanded money from them. A letter in this regard was served to company manager, Prakash Newar on Friday where it sought that a clarification be given to the villagers of Tollegre within 4 days of the same being issued. According to the letter, the union leaders along with the Nokma is said to have demanded amounts ranging from Rs 2 crore, Rs 70 lakhs, Rs 18 lakhs and Rs 17 lakhs on separate occasions. Meanwhile, the union has also threatened to file an FIR against the company official if their demand for a clarification is ignored. “The GSU has taken the decision to file an FIR against you if you fail to clarify the matter within four days from receiving our letter,” the letter served to the official by the union stated.
Students watch launch of Fit India Movement
AMPATI: The students of schools across South West Garo Hills district watched the live streaming of nation-wide launch of “Fit India Movement” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. The prime minister had appealed to every citizen to remain healthy and fit as he launched the movement at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi on the birthday of Dhyan Chand, a great sportsperson of India. Live viewing of the launch was facilitated and coordinated by the District Administration, DSEO Ampati and school authorities of the district. In schools where television sets were not available, the school heads facilitated the viewing with the help of laptops and smartphones. Meanwhile, the government employees of the district also joined the rest of the State in the Walk to Work launched by the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma as part of the Fit India Campaign.
Promotion of Nokrek honey urged
TURA: The Horticulture Department in West Garo Hills has been urged to promote the honey from bees found in the Nokrek region of the district and to brand the locally available wild honey to be sold in the markets. The suggestion was made by West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh during the World Honey Bee Day celebration of the District Horticulture Office, Tura under the theme “Save the Bees”. The occasion was observed at the popular Chandigre Resort in West Garo Hills on Thursday in which the Deputy Commissioner was the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest informed the gathering about the installation of a honey extractor and said that the installation of such machines would attract tourists and as well as serve as a learning hub for the students. The Deputy Commissioner also urged the Department to promote the Nokrek honey and brand the locally available wild honey. He also urged the Department to help the farmers in better packaging of the products. The Deputy Commissioner also urged farmers from the region to learn the latest technologies of bee keeping.
Kisan Mela under Jal Shakti Abhiyan held
TURA: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, East Garo Hills, in collaboration with the Agriculture and other line departments, organized a one-day Kisan Mela under Jal Shakti Abhiyan on Saturday at the Holy Family Church Auditorium, Rongjeng in East Garo Hills, where a large number of farmers from Samanda, Songsak and Rongjeng C&RD Blocks participated. Addressing the gathering, Rongjeng MLA, Jim M Sangma, highlighted the aims and objectives of Jal Shakti Abhiyan campaign and said that water is becoming scarce day-by-day. Saying that agricultural activities need sufficient supply of water, he urged the people of the region to conserve water and also to cooperate with the departments and the officials as well in implementing schemes and projects under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. He also lauded the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, the district administration and other line departments for organizing the Kisan Mela at Rongjeng. East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Swapnil Tembe, while speaking about the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, sought the cooperation of the people in planting more trees for conserving water, judicious use of water and rain water harvesting in the district. As part of the mela, quiz and painting competitions for the school children was also organized on the day.
14th International symposium on buckwheat
SHILLONG: North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong will organise the 14th International Symposium on Buckwheat from September 3-6 under the theme “Diversifying food systems for Health and Nutritional Security”. The symposium will address issues on the role of underutilised crops, especially Buckwheat, in achieving the millennium goal of “Zero hunger”. Buckwheat grains are a rich source of nutraceutical compounds including vitamins, antioxidants, proteins, lysine, dietary fibre, rutin and trace elements. The idea of producing functional food using buckwheat seeds and plants sets new breeding targets such as high levels of bioactive compounds. The symposium will be attended by more than 100 delegates from all across the globe including countries such as USA, Australia, Canada, UK, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, Hungary, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Egypt and India. Governor Tathagata Roy will be the chief guest at the inaugural function of the Symposium. Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India & Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi will attend the Inaugural function as the guest of honour. Prof. S. K. Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of NEHU will preside over the function. The inaugural ceremony of the Symposium will start at 11 am in the Multiuse convention Hall of the campus.