By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 5: The Opposition on Wednesday urged the state government to expedite the utilisation of funds under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund, emphasising that these funds cannot be used for any other purpose beyond the scope of work covered under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma made this suggestion during Question Hour while discussing the status of the Emergency and Fire Service Station at Mawryngkneng.
He said, “For this particular intervention, the funds under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund must be utilised. Only when these funds are exhausted can we request additional support from the Centre. However, we have not been able to do so because we have never fully utilised the funds available with the state government, and these funds cannot be diverted for other purposes.”
Pointing out that the state government may be planning to establish Emergency and Fire Service Stations, Sangma urged the ruling government to consider this funding option.
Earlier, raising a supplementary question, VPP MLA from Mawryngkneng constituency Heavingstone Kharpran asked, “Why is this project facing such delays? It has been long overdue, and I have repeatedly raised this issue in the Assembly, especially given the frequent fire incidents in the area.”
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said, “One of the main reasons the proposed fire service station at Mawryngkneng has not been established is due to land-related issues.”
He informed the House that the government had recently acquired 22,000 square feet of land, which the Deputy Commissioner has handed over to the Home (Police) department. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared soon for the construction of the office building, and once completed, the station will become operational.
“Now, the engineering wing of Home (Police) will immediately begin preparing the DPR. Once it is ready, we will move forward with obtaining the necessary sanctions, after which construction will begin,” he added.
Tynsong further stated that setting up fire service stations is a priority, as wildfires have become increasingly common across the state. He reiterated the government’s intent to establish fire service stations wherever needed.
Raising another supplementary question, TMC MLA Rupa Marak demanded the establishment of an Emergency and Fire Service Station in Jengjal.