Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 839/04

WORKSHOP ON POLICY INTERVENTION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF TROPICAL FOREST HELD

A Workshop on Policy Interventions for the Conservation of Tropical Forests in Meghalaya, organised by the Department of Forest & Environment, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE) was held today at the Conference Hall of National Informatic Centre (NIC) Building, Shillong. The Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Forest & Environment Department, Mr. G. P. Wahlang was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session, Mr. Wahlang said that a lot of damage to forest cover of Meghalaya is being done by the people associated with forest life. Desire of human being to be better economically- forest is a causality, he added. He further said that ownership of forest landscape by multiple stakeholders, problem of mischief, emergence of people from slumber in terms of development and lack of respectable forum in respect of conservation of forest are the things which hinders conservation of forest in Meghalaya. He then stressed upon the need to maintain forest rather than expansion of forest cover. He also hopes that this workshop would come up with better suggestions to conservation of forest in Meghalaya.

The workshop was chaired by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Mr. V. K. Nautiyal.

It may be mentioned that the aim of the workshop is to initiate a process by which a policy dialogue is built up one which can later on culminate in the production of a viable action plan.

Press Release No. 840/04

HOME MINISTER CONGRATUALTES I&PR DEPARTMENT

The Meghalaya Home Minister (Police) etc, extended his congratulations to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations on being awarded the Silver Awards at the recently concluded India International Trade Fair 2004 held at the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

The Home Minster who visited the Meghalaya Pavilion at the Trade Fair, while commending the various improvements, also congratulated the participating cultural troupes, artisans and officers and staff of the participating departments for their contribution.

Press Release No. 841/04

MEGHALAYA GOVERNOR INAUGURATED YEARLONG CELEBRATION

The Meghalaya Governor, Mr. M .M Jacob, inaugurated the year-long celebration of the125 years of the existence of Baghmara, the District headquarter of South Garo Hills on December 11, 2004.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jacob said that the Day is memorable for the whole of Garo Hills. Mr. Jacob also recalled the first Chief Minister of the State and the first ever Governor of a State among the Garos, Capt. Williamson A Sangma. Conscious about the plight of the people of Garo Hills and the need to improve the quality of life in the region, Mr. Jacob informed that he had been continuously pleading with various Government of the State for development of the region. While speaking about development, Mr Jacob also encvouraged and urged the distinguished leaders and intellectuals of Garo Hills to come forward and contribute more for the development of their own District. Lamenting over the fact that due to lack of generally accepted border trade, smuggling, particularly of arms across the border has further fueled the problems of militancy existing in Garo Hills. Further, Mr Jacob urged upon the Church leaders to support the on going peace process in Garo Hills.

Mr. P. A. Sangma, MP adding his views as the Guest of Honour on the occasion stressed the need to develop South Garo Hills in particular and Garo Hills in General. Mr. Sangma also expressed hope that the people of Baghmara will be witnesses to significant changes in every aspect of life in the near future and thus appealed to the appeal to join hands in developing the region.

On the occasion, four distinguished personalities of Baghmara were presented with top honours namely the Capt. Williamson Sangma Award was conferred to Mr. Justin Mc. Carty R. Marak, Rtd Principal AG, West Bengal, the Bong A Sangma Award to Mrs. Renilla D. Marak, Director SIRD, the Rev. Rangku W. Momin Award to Rev. Dr. Martin R. Sangma, Lecturer, Achik Theological College, Tura and the Bangjan G. Momin Award to Mrs. Surjomoni R. Marak.

Press Release No. 843/04

DISTRICT LEVEL SCIENCE EXHIBITION INAUGURATED

The District level Science Exhibition 2004 organized by the District Industries Centre (DIC), Baghmara was formally inaugurated by the local MLA, Mr. Sengran M. Sangma today December 14, 2004.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sangma encouraged the participating artisans and entrepreneurs to learn from each other to improve their skills. Mr. Sangma also appealed to the people in general not to depend only on the Government but also to look forward to start their own business for their livelihood. Mr. Sangma also urged the people to grab the opportunity being given either by the Central or State Government and also to utilise the resources in a proper way.