PWD promises completion of Rilbong link roads by early 2024
SHILLONG, Dec 11: The prolonged travel woes of residents of Laban and Rilbong, who currently have to navigate through Rhino Point to access the main road in Shillong city, may soon end as the Public Works Department (PWD) has assured that two vital link roads in the Rilbong area will be completed by January-February 2025. On Wednesday, South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai inspected the construction work of these link roads. One road connects the main entrance of the Arts and Culture Building to the road from Rilbong Community Hall to Umshyrpi PWD Road. The second link road extends from the existing PWD Road via Rilbong Community Hall to Umshyrpi PWD Road. After the inspection, Shullai expressed gratitude to the Arts and Culture department for providing land for this crucial project. He highlighted that the roads would benefit not just Rilbong residents but the entire Greater Laban area. Shullai also called for the cooperation of the Police Department in handing over some of their land to facilitate the construction. He noted that the area encompasses eight Dorbar Shnongs, and the new link roads would significantly improve connectivity and benefit the local population. Highlighting the limited entry and exit points in Laban, Shullai emphasised that the new roads would be particularly useful during emergencies, enabling residents to reach the main road quickly. The project, costing approximately Rs 5.6 crore, is expected to ease traffic congestion. Shullai urged the PWD to expedite the work to ensure completion before schools reopen in February-March, allowing students to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams.
M’laya farmers empowered on safe organic pesticide use
SHILLONG, Dec 11: A farmer training programme on ‘Safe and Judicious Use of Organic Pesticides by Adopting IPM Practices’ was held on Wednesday at the SMELC Building, Dakopgre, Tura, Meghalaya. Organised by HIL (INDIA) Limited, a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tura, West Garo Hills, the event aimed to promote sustainable agricultural practices among farmers. The programme drew an active participation of 272 farmers from over 20 villages across West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills districts. The programme was attended by Joint Director of Agriculture Budsuk Sungoh as the chief guest and Assistant Director of Agriculture, Tura, Elphina Sangma as special guest, et al. The training focused on the safe and effective use of bio-pesticides, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and practical approaches to enhance productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability. Combining scientific knowledge with practical demonstrations, the training programme also empowered farmers to boost productivity, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and safeguard their livelihoods.
Synjuk urges state govt to equip Manad sub-centre
MAWKYRWAT, Dec 11: The Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong (SRS) of San Shnong Manad Area has urged the government to bring equipment to the newly functional Manad Sub-Centre, which currently remains empty. The Synjuk, representing the villages of Manad, Mawbidong, Lummawbah, Pyndenlyngdoh and Pynden Sohlang, also expressed gratitude to the state government for operationalising the much-awaited Sub-Centre after a year of its construction completion. Synjuk president Reddy Shylla said the residents of the area were pleased to see staff members joining the Sub-Centre. However, he exhorted the government, through the Health department, to expedite the process of bringing equipment to the facility. Flagging concerns regarding pending payments to the contractor responsible for constructing the building, he said, “We are very happy to see that the staff are joining our sub-centre, which we have reminded the government from time to time to make it functional. This centre will surely be a blessing to our people who have to travel all the way to Mawkyrwat for minor illness. However, we are deeply concerned about the government’s delay in settling the contractor’s bills. If this continues, the contractor has every right to close the facility, which would be a setback for the community,” Reddy said. In this regard, the Synjuk also urged the government to release the pending bills promptly to avoid disputes with the contractor and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the Sub-Centre.
