Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 952/06

PICTORIAL MONOGRAPH ON CAVES OF MEGAHALAYA RELEASED

The 8th edition of the pictorial monograph entitled Caves of Meghalaya, published by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Meghalaya, Shillong was released today by the Meghalaya Minister of Information and Public Relations, Mr. E D Marak at his office chamber. Also present at the function was the Commissioner & Secretary, Information and Public Relations, Mr. A Som, Director Information and Public Relations, Mr. P S Dkhar, Deputy Director Information and Public Relations, Mr. S S Laloo, Assistant Director Information and Public Relations, Mr. R Nongkhlaw and others.

In his speech, Mr. Marak lauded the hard work and dedication of the Directorate of Information & Public Relations. He also said that the years the pictorial monographs published by the Directorate have garnered much interest and appreciation from the public. He further stated that as these monographs throw light on the myriad facets of the land, culture and people inhabiting the state of Meghalaya, they serve as valuable sources of information for students, researchers and the general public at large.

Commissioner & Secretary, Information and Public Relations, Mr. A Som in his short speech informed that till date the department has published and released a series of 7 monographs, the first being Land and People, followed by Flora and Fauna, Places of Interest, Dances and Festival -The Cultural Pride of Meghalaya, The Dweller of the High Hills – the Khasis of Meghalaya, The Pristine Culture and Society of the Garos of Meghalaya and The Enchanting Life and Culture of the Jaintias.

The Director Information & Public Relations, Mr. P S Dkhar also spoke on the occasion and also delivered the vote of thanks.

Press Release No. 953/06

CLEANING DRIVE HELD

The Durbar Shnong of Iew Mawlong, Nongpoh had organized a cleaning drive in the locality on December 09, 2006 which was attended by Dr.D.D.Lapang, Chairman, Meghalaya Economic Development Council. The cleaning drive was enthusiastically taken part by all including youth and women.

Speaking on the occasion Dr.Lapang appreciated the Durbar Shnong for its initiative in organizing the cleaning drive in order to make the locality neat and clean and also to maintain awareness among the people about the importance of cleanliness. Informing the people about the hazards of living in an unhygienic environment, Dr.Lapang urged the people to cultivate the habit of healthy living. He further added that cleaning drive is a practice handed down to the present generation by our forefathers, he was with the opinion that such cleaning drive be held regularly.

Dr.Lapang informed that the Nongpoh Water Supply Scheme of Rs.17 crores and the Nongpoh Umden diversion road at Iew Mawlong at a cost of Rs.43 lakhs would soon be constructed.

Press Release No. 954/06

TRAINING ON GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT HELD

The Central Ground Water Authority, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India in collaboration with the Central Ground Water Board, North Eastern Region, Guwahati had organized a training programme on Ground Water Management at the Science Hall, Nongpoh on December 08, 2006 which was attended by government officials from different departments, the rangbah shnongs and NGOs.

The Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Mr.B.Dhar in his inaugural address expressed his gratefulness to the organizers for such an important programme with a view to create awareness among the people to manage and exploit water in a proper and judicious way. He added that our state is bestowed with rich water resources but due to the lack of civic sense and inconsiderateness of the people most of the streams are littered and polluted making it unsafe for human use. He called upon the Central Ground Water Board for more such programme in order to sensitize the people about the importance of water management.

Press Release No. 955/06

AMBULANCE DONATED TO UMSHAKEN WOMEN WELFARE ASSOCIATION

Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Deputy Speaker, Mr. P W Muktieh has recently donated an ambulance at Umshaken village, Ri Bhoi District to the Umshaken Women Welfare Association (UWWA).

Speaking at the function, Mr. Muktieh lauded the sincere and dedicated service of the UWWA, adding that the Association has rendered valuable service for the interest and the welfare of the people in the area. He then urged upon the Association to properly utilize the ambulance so that the sick is not deprived of their right.

Others who spoke on the occasion include, Medical & Health Officer, Umden, PHC, Block Development Officer, Divisional Officer (Soil) among others.

Press Release No. 958/06

WILLIAMNAGAR WINTER FESTIVAL 2006

The first ever Williamnagar winter festival, 2006 under the theme “Peace for all Season” organized by the Tourism Department and sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of Tourism was inaugurated today by the Meghalaya Governor, Mr. M M Jacob at Williamnagar District Sports Association Stadium in the presence of the Chairman, MEDC, Dr. D D Lapang, Chairperson of MTDC, Mrs. D C Marak, CEM, GHADC, Mr. E A Sangma and others.

In his speech, Mr. Jacob said that Meghalaya with its picturesque landscape, beautiful nature and pleasant climate ca attract tourists from far other countries. He also underlined that the scenic beauty of the State. Rich tribal culture and tradition, handicrafts and others have added attraction for many. While congratulating the Tourism Department, Mr. Jacob said that its endeavour is to tap the abundant resources for developing tourism industry in the State as well as generate both direct and ancillary employment to the local people in the different part of the State. He further stated that Balpakram National Park with its rich orchids and other attraction is a place which is on the anvil of development.

Other who spoke on the occasion were Chairman, MEDC, Dr. D D Lapang, Chairperson of MTDC, Mrs. D C Marak, CEM, GHADC, Mr. E A Sangma, Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor, Mr. H Marwein Deputy Commissioner, East Garo Hills, Mr. F Kharlyngdoh, and others.

The programme followed by the Cultural ‘X’ Travaganza which included Wangala Dance, songs by Marvel and Rilang, Laho Dance, Rabha Dance and Khasi Dance.