Meghalaya Nuggets

SWGH district administration launches cleanliness campaign
AMPATI, Nov 16: In a significant step towards promoting waste segregation and sustainable development, the South West Garo Hills district administration, in collaboration with the District Tourism department, launched a cleanliness campaign and distributed dustbins across schools, tourist areas and other key locations. The event, held on Friday at the DRDA Conference Hall, DC Office building, was chaired by South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak. The campaign’s goal was to encourage the residents to adopt proper waste disposal habits as sustainable waste management begins at the community level. It involved the installation and distribution of dustbins, strategically placed to ensure ease of access and to support the segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce littering and promote recycling practices across the district. Others who were part of the campaign were additional deputy commissioners (ADCs), block development officers (BDOs), and other officers of the district administration.

WJH court convicts man for involvement in illegal activities
JOWAI, Nov 16: The Sessions Court, West Jaintia Hills, has convicted Dapbiang Lytep, a resident of Thangthring, for his involvement in illegal activities, and sentenced him to multiple prison terms. Lytep was found guilty under Section 436 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for committing arson, earning him a sentence of up to six years in prison. Additionally, he was convicted under Section 506 Part-I of the IPC for criminal intimidation, resulting in an additional one-year prison term. According to a statement from the Superintendent of Police, Jowai, the sentences will run concurrently.

RKM holds Play-Day function
SHILLONG, Nov 16: The Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) Ashrama, Sohra, on Saturday organised a grand Play-Day function, showcasing the vibrant culture and traditions of Meghalaya. According to a statement, the event featured performances by students from 46 RKM feeder schools across Khasi and Jaintia Hills. In the first half, students performed traditional exercises, reflecting the physical heritage of the region. The second half captivated the audience with synchronised traditional dance forms of the Khasi and Jaintia communities, complemented by patriotic Hindi songs, symbolising unity in diversity. The event was inaugurated by Governor CH Vijayshankar and was attended by various government officials. The festivities were held at Iew-Thymmai, Khliehshnong, Sohra, with around 2,500 students, teachers and participants contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. The RKM LP School, Khliehshnong, Sohra, was adjudged the best performer among all participating schools. On the occasion, Vijayshankar distributed prizes to the winners and donated plant saplings to promote afforestation among the RKM feeder schools.

Awareness drive, door-to-door campaign against drugs held
UMSNING, Nov 16: The Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), in collaboration with the Ri-Bhoi Area Welfare Association (RAWA) and the Police department, recently organised an awareness programme on drug abuse at Balawan College, Umsning. The event was not only aimed at educating young people on the dangers of substance abuse but also promoting a drug-free society. During the programme, Officer-in-Charge of Umsning Police Station Elias R. Marak and Sub-Inspector Samborlin Warjri delivered expert talks on the legal and social consequences of drug abuse. RAWA representatives, on the other hand, stressed the importance of community action and urged individuals to become changemakers in the fight against drugs. The initiative continued with a six-day door-to-door outreach campaign led by RAWA and Change Makers Youth Volunteers. The team visited Umsning Patarim, the market area, and Umdihar village, distributing pamphlets and engaging households in conversations about drug prevention and rehabilitation resources.

Ri-Bhoi farmers take part in awareness-cum-fertility camp
NONGPOH, Nov 16: Over a hundred farmers from various villages under Umsning and Bhoirymbong C&RD Blocks of Ri-Bhoi were part of an awareness-cum-fertility camp, which was organised by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department at the Common Facility Centre (CFC) in Umsning on Friday. Organised under the central government’s Pashudhan Jagriti Abhiyan, the programme was attended by key officials including Assistant Director (AH & Veterinary), Shillong, Dr. L Dkhar; District AH & Veterinary, Nongpoh, Dr. B Lyngdoh; Veterinary Officer, ICDP, Upper Shillong, Dr. ME Lyngdoh, among others.
The primary objective of the camp was to improve livelihoods through dairy farming and cattle improvement using superior germplasm, thereby enhancing milk and meat production. It also aimed to educate farmers on breeding practices, artificial insemination, livestock diseases and their impact on human health. During the event, Dr. Dkhar delivered an insightful presentation on various cattle diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites, including anthrax, foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, brucellosis and leptospirosis. She urged farmers to treat livestock diseases seriously, seek emergency veterinary care, isolate sick animals, and maintain strict hygiene in and around cowsheds. Dr. Dkhar also advised farmers to restrict external access to farms to prevent disease outbreaks and emphasised the importance of livestock vaccination. Dr. ME Lyngdoh, on the other hand, highlighted the significance of artificial insemination and lactation management. The programme included an interactive session with farmers and a random sample collection of cattle from the area.