By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 25: Mawlai MLA from VPP Brightstarwell Marbaniang on Tuesday raised concerns over delayed crop insurance relief, uneven sports infrastructure development, and the need for water policy reforms during the Budget discussion in the Assembly.
Regarding agriculture, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator welcomed the government’s decision to bear its share of crop insurance premiums.
However, he pointed out that farmers in Mawlai are still waiting for relief 18 months after a hailstorm destroyed standing crops in the area.
He urged the government to ensure timely support for those hit by natural calamities.
On sports infrastructure, Marbaniang noted that while the state is preparing for the 2027 National Games, development should not be concentrated in a single location. Referring to a proposed Rs 700 crore stadium, he argued for diversifying infrastructure across different regions and blocks. He specifically requested a standard football stadium and a modern indoor facility for Mawlai to support local talent.
Turning to the environment, the MLA suggested that the government mandate rainwater harvesting for all new buildings. While welcoming the 25 per cent subsidy for private rooftop harvesting, he noted from personal experience that such systems can sustain a household for nearly half the year.
He also flagged significant water wastage, citing reports that nearly 50 per cent of water in and around Shillong is lost to pipeline leakages. He urged the government to fix the distribution system to ensure conservation efforts are not undermined.
Finally, Marbaniang called for the repair of internal roads in Mawlai, noting that many have been neglected for years. He expressed hope that these would be covered under the Rs 492 crore allocation for road maintenance.
