KSU raps Star Cement for repeated env law violations
SHILLONG, July 31: Star Cement, one of the major cement-producing factories located at Lumshnong in East Jaintia Hills, has come under fire from the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Lumshnong Unit for allegedly repeatedly violating environmental laws. The Union expressed deep concern over the continuous release of polluted air from the factory, saying it not only pollutes the atmosphere but also affects the health of residents living around the area. According to the KSU, the factory has shown blatant disregard for pollution control laws relating to both air and water. Residents in and around Lumshnong are now forced to live in distress and breathe in the polluted air released by the plant. It may be recalled that in December 2024, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) issued a directive to Star Cement Limited, asking the company to pay a compensation of Rs 1,20,000 for deliberate violations of Section 21 of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and Sections 25 and 26 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The directive was issued after the Board found that Star Cement had violated air emission standards and that the Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems installed at the factory were non-functional.
Umling BDO takes up waste pollution issues in Byrnihat
NONGPOH, July 31: In a bid to address waste and pollution issues in Byrnihat area, the Office of the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Umling C&RD Block, led by BDO Eric Kevin Dkhar, along with Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, convened a meeting on Thursday with village leaders from the Byrnihat area to discuss the upcoming implementation of the Solid Waste Management Project. During the meeting, the BDO delivered a detailed presentation and provided clarification on how the project would be executed, highlighting its potential benefits for the residents of the area. Byrnihat has long been recognised as one of the most polluted areas in terms of air quality, and the project aims to address this reputation. It may be noted that the Solid Waste Management Project in Byrnihat has been sanctioned with a total allocation of Rs 1.46 crore under the Government of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The scheme will cater to 20 villages within the Byrnihat region. Speaking to the media, Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun expressed special gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi, the BDO of Umling C&RD Block, and the Green Tech Foundation for their proactive efforts in bringing this project to fruition, which he believes will greatly benefit the local population. He acknowledged that Byrnihat’s notoriety for air pollution has caused concern among both him and the public, but expressed hope that the new initiative would significantly reduce pollution and improve overall cleanliness in the area in the near future. As the local representative, Sohtun also appealed to all village leaders and residents of Byrnihat to take collective responsibility and actively cooperate in the implementation of the project, stressing that community involvement is vital to its successful execution.
Conrad inaugurates school building, govt office in NGH
TURA, July 31: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the new building of Resubelpara Government Higher Secondary School, and the office building of the Executive Engineer, PWD (Roads), Resubelpara Division, North Garo Hills. Addressing the gathering at the inaugural program, the chief minister said the commissioning of the additional building of the school “will ensure students have access to quality education and quality infrastructure”. He apprised that the government is committed to improve the overall educational scenario of the state and therefore has sanctioned ₹ 700 crores for upgradation and renovation of the existing school infrastructures. “Out of 2500 government schools, 2000 LP, UP, Higher secondary schools have been streamlined for upgradation and revamped purposes”, he informed. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma further urged upon teachers and the management committee to continue their contribution in educating the future of the state. While inaugurating the office building of thr Executive Engineer PWD (R) Resubelpara Division, chief minister Conrad Sangma said this achievement will enable the department to execute better planning and monitoring the road development projects which will significantly benefit the people of the area.
Hindu spiritual leader to visit city
SHILLONG, July 31: Brajavidehi Mahant, Vaishnab Chatur Sampradaya Sri Mahant and the 57th Acharjya of the Nimbarka Sect, 108, Swami Rash Behari Das Kathia Baba Maharajji from Sridham Vrindavan will arrive in Shillong on Friday at Sri Soumitra Das Purkayastha, Last Stop, Laban. During his weeklong stay, he will deliver discourses on various aspects of temporal and spiritual well-being of mankind at large.
DBC hosts Red Ribbon Youth Fest
TURA, July 31: The Zonal Level Red Ribbon Youth Fest 2025 was held at Don Bosco College here recently. The event was organised by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), Shillong, in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Club and the NSS Unit of Don Bosco College. The Fest aimed to promote awareness on HIV/AIDS, responsible health behaviour, and voluntary blood donation among youth. The inaugural session, anchored by Dr Mueller Beul M Sangma, Assistant Professor, Education, commenced with a welcome address by Rev Fr. Januarius S Sangma, Principal of the College, who emphasised that awareness is the first step in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and called on youth to become agents of change and compassion. Chief guest Dr Tami G Momin, Senior Health and Medical Officer and Blood Centre In-Charge, Tura Civil Hospital, highlighted the role of voluntary blood donation in HIV/AIDS prevention, while guest of honour Dr Rajamoni R Marak, Senior Specialist and Nodal Officer, ICTC & ART Centre, Tura, stressed the ABCD strategy — Abstain, Be faithful, use Protection, and Detect early — as key to prevention. A Red Ribbon Quiz competition, organised on the day, tested participants’ knowledge on HIV/AIDS, adolescent health, and national health schemes. Winners received certificates and cash awards. Earlier, a pre-dawn Red Run saw participation from several local colleges. The valedictory session featured the distribution of prizes and certificates, a closing address by a MACS official, and a vote of thanks by Tapsreng Jones K Sangma, Red Ribbon Club Member and Assistant Professor, History. The programme concluded with lunch and a shared resolve to combat HIV/AIDS through education and advocacy