By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 12: Civil society organisations (CSOs) and traditional leaders from across Chokpot, South Garo Hills, have jointly demanded immediate government intervention on key issues ranging from poor road infrastructure and delayed college affiliation to environmental degradation and the unregulated entry of non-tribals into villages.
At a consultative meeting held at Nokpante, Raja Ronggat village, over 60 Nokmas and representatives of regional NGOs, including the Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP), Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), Achik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), CAVC, A’chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO) and A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK), passed strong resolutions aimed at addressing long-pending concerns affecting the socio-economic and environmental health of the region.
The poor condition of the main Chokpot road was flagged as a critical issue, with participants expressing deep concern over official apathy and calling for immediate repairs.
They also raised alarm over the continued delay in affiliating Chokpot Degree College with Captain William University, stating that the delay was depriving local students of accessible higher education and forcing many to migrate to distant towns.
The meeting further resolved to take collective action against illegal deforestation, sand mining and other threats to local rivers, forests and streams. Emphasising the need to protect Chokpot’s fragile ecology, the groups pledged coordinated efforts to safeguard biodiversity and water sources.
The increasing movement of non-tribal individuals into villages without proper verification was also discussed, with the house urging local authorities and Nokmas to strictly regulate entry in order to protect land ownership rights and community identity.
Further, waste management at Chokpot Bazar also came under focus during the meeting. The participants called for the identification of a designated dumping site and urged the administration to implement an eco-friendly system to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the area.
Recognising the tourism potential of Chokpot, the gathering pushed for a roadmap to develop local eco-tourism spots. They stressed that sustainable tourism could generate employment and boost the local economy without damaging the environment.
The meeting then concluded with a commitment from all attending organisations and Nokmas to work in close coordination to pursue these demands and ensure long-term development and stability in the Chokpot region.