strike, in the city on Monday. (UB)
KHADC to release 50 pc of arrears after pen-down strike
SHILLONG, Jan 23: The KHADC has decided to release 50 per cent of the pending arrears after its employees on Monday organised a pen-down strike in protest against the Council’s failure to release their arrears. Speaking to reporters, KHADC CEM Titostarwell Chyne informed that the Council was not able to release the arrears since the state government was yet to release the Council’s share on mineral resources for the year 2022-2023. Chyne then went on to inform that the KHADC had received its share for 2021-2022 only in December last year. Maintaining that the employees could have enquired from him before going ahead with the protest, Chyne said, “But it is their right to protest if they are unhappy. But I want to clarify that we are not sitting idle since the arrear of both the sitting and former MDCs are also pending.” He also informed that the Council’s Executive Committee has decided to release 50 per cent of the pending arrears. When asked about the rationale behind appointing a superfluity of casual employees, Chyne said they have to appoint the casual staffers since it was necessary for both building bye-laws and Land department.
Asian Waterbird Census 2023
SHILLONG, Jan 23: Forests & Environment department, through the Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Khasi Hills Wildlife Division, Shillong, in collaboration with the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, recently conducted Asian Waterbird Census 2023, at six sites, viz. Umsaw, Umbir, Umniuh, Mawlyndep, Riat Khwan and Umiam, covering the wetland areas of Umiam Lake, with support and guidance from professionals. According to a statement, 193 water birds comprising 12 species and 148 other birds comprising 5 species were observed during the census. It may be mentioned that the Asian Waterbird Census is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC).