GSU demands upgrade of PHC
TURA, July 12: The GSU, Nongalbibra unit in South Garo Hills on Friday urged Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to upgrade the Nongalbibra PHC into a 30-bed hospital. In its memorandum to the chief minister, the union pointed out that there are no government or private hospitals in the area and people must travel to Baghmara and Williamnagar for treatment. The union also sought the appointment of sufficient staff to ensure it can function as a hospital. Other demands of the union included the filling up of LDA and UDA posts to enable it to function smoothly and additional Grade IV-sanctioned posts to add to the existing two.
Residents appeal for completion of irrigation dam
TURA, July 12: Residents of Rongai Valley, Chibinang in West Garo Hills on Friday urged newly elected Tura MP Saleng Sangma to ensure that the Rongai Valley Medium Irrigation Project is completed at the earliest. In their memorandum, the residents stated that due to its pending completion, the cultivators from the area are deprived of its facilities. They added that the incomplete dam which now acts as a barrier for the river has gravely affected the landowners from the area as it has widened claiming the lands through soil erosion on both sides. Pointing out that the incomplete dam has posed hardships rather than benefitting the people, the residents stated that if the dam cannot be completed on time, demolish it. The residents also demanded that embankments be constructed at both banks of the river immediately with boulder sausage to prevent further erosion of land.
GH group raises concern over rising water levels
TURA, July 12: The Centre for Environment Protection and Rural Development (CEPARD) based in Garo Hills on Friday raised crucial concerns regarding the escalating water levels of the Jinjiram and Brahmaputra rivers. “The impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident, leading to these rising water levels that pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of the communities residing along these rivers. With each passing day, the situation grows more critical, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of environmental degradation,” CEPARD President Samgar R Sangma said. He emphasized the importance of striving towards carbon neutrality as a step in addressing these environmental challenges and urged the community to support initiatives to preserve the environment.
Sensitisation on consumer rights
Tura, July 12: A day-long awareness programme on World Consumer Rights Day held at Jengjal Farmers Market on Thursday imparted wide knowledge to the participants about consumer rights and consumer protection law. Chief guest and Additional Deputy Commissioner and Incharge Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Jengjal Civil Sub-Division Winje G Momin urged everyone to be vigilant and responsible consumers and exercise their rights and avail the benefits of District Consumer court, District Grievance Redressal Office, State Commission, and Food Safety Office for the benefit of all and resist manipulation from the shopkeepers. Others stressed the importance of Aadhar enrolment, Aadhar seeding with ration cards for KYC updation to avail of One Nation One ration card and other Government Schemes. All fair price shop dealers are also directed to review the GPS coordinates of their respective FPS centres as Route Optimization will be the basis for transportation subsidy. The participants were cautioned while purchasing packed food and milk products. They were informed that all food manufacturing companies must be registered under FSSAI. The participants were asked to be more vigilant while shopping online to avoid fraudsters and to be safe from purchasing unwanted products.