Aroma Mission gains momentum in West Khasi Hills
NONGSTOIN: The Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) in collaboration with the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR), Lucknow under the Aroma Mission recently witnessed the distillation of the first batch of aromatic crops. The distillation yielded approximately 3.5 litres of essential oil with a market value worth Rs 1150 per litre. MBDA resource person M Kharlyngdoh, MBDA officer on special duty Dr. Basal and district programme manager Rodonald Majaw attended the distillation trial. Speaking to The Shillong Times, West Khasi Hills MBDA district programme manager Rodonald Majaw said: “The ‘Aroma Mission’ in West Khasi Hills was started on October 2017 by the MBDA in collaboration with CSIR-CIMAP in Mawshynrut Block which falls under West Khasi Hills District.” He also said that aromatic plants such as citronella, vetiver, and lemongrass were planted in various clusters under Mawshynrut Block. Majaw informed that a total of 92,000, 11,000, and 77,600 saplings of citronella, vetiver, and lemongrass were planted respectively. Majaw also stated that the Aroma Mission aims for a sustainable supply of quality raw materials for domestic and overseas market along with the development of varieties with short life span, higher yields and intercropping which would double the income of farmers and provide employment to women and youths as well.
Financial awareness event held
SHILLONG: A field level financial awareness event was held at Lamin Village, Amlarem in West Jaintia Hills on Thursday. The event was held as part of the financial inclusion agenda of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Delivering the keynote address Anurag Asthana, GM and officer in charge RBI Shillong, highlighted on the importance of financial literacy and financial inclusion for the benefit of the general public and spoke about the functions and activities of the RBI. He also urged stakeholders including banks and government departments to create awareness among the general public and to work towards providing the best possible services. Utilizing interactive presentations, the RBI officials informed the gathering on the need for financial planning, budgeting, precautions from fraudulent e-mails including SMS messages, phone calls and fraudulent companies. They also emphasized on the need for maintaining credit discipline. The programme was attended by senior officers from RBI, officials from different banks operating in West Jaintia Hills District, district line departments and members of the local dorbar along with the local residents.
5 injured in accidents across state
SHILLONG: As many as five people were injured in separate vehicular accidents which took place across the state this week. Baby Lalrilngheti (20) and Jacob Msdawlglitana (25) met with an accident near Nongthymmai Bridge on Wednesday around 10:11pm when their Scooty crashed into a Maruti car. Both victims sustained injuries and were taken to Civil Hospital by a Laitumkhrah-based 108 ambulance. In an incident which happened on Thursday afternoon, two students were hit by a motorcycle at Thapa Darengchi. The rider of the motorcycle identified as Tantan R Marak (21) and pillion rider Trenibirth Marak (17) sustained injuries and were taken to Resubelpara CHC by a Resubelpara-based 108 ambulance. In another incident which happened on Thursday evening, an autorickshaw and a motorcycle were involved in a head on collision at Rongkhon Bridge. Abhijeet Pal (28) sustained injuries and was transported to the Civil Hospital in Tura by Tura-cased 108 ambulance.
Section 144 imposed in EJH
SHILLONG: The District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills, Khliehriat has promulgated an order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting trucks carrying load beyond 18 MT from plying over the bridge on the Ri Manar River along the Sutnga-Sumer Road. All vehicles passing through the bridge are required to carry loads within the permissible limit of 18 MT, as the condition of the Bridge is very old. The order has been passed in view of the report received from the Executive Engineer PWD (Roads), NEC Division, Khliehriat.
