Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 812/05

DISASTER MITIGATION RUN AT TURA

Hundreds of people from in and around Tura, including students, officials and members of various organizations took part in the ‘ Run for Life’- a Disaster Mitigation Run, 2005 which was flagged off by the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Mr. Sampat Kumar at Police Parade Ground, Tura on December 6, 2005

The Run was organized by the Civil Defence Volunteers Blood Donor Group with an objective to create awareness on disaster and its preparedness and to minimize loss of life and property during disasters. The participants, carrying banners and placards took approximately 5 km route from Bazar through Hawakhana, Agriculture Office, Tekringgitok Junction, Tetengkol, Jerusalem Road, AOC Hawakhana, Ringrey and back to Parade Ground via DCs office

Speaking as the chief guest before flagging off the Run, the Deputy Commissioner spoke briefly about earthquakes and other calamities and their unpredictability.He informed the participants the run was organized basically to create awareness on how to respond when such disasters strike, more so because this region falls under Zone-5, a highly earthquake zone

Earlier, the Deputy Controller, Civil Defence, Tura Mr. Merinpole Sangma welcomed the participants and highlighted the objectives of the Run and the formation of the Civil Defence Volunteers Blood Donor Group, while the District Sports Officer, Tura Mr. J. P. Marak gave directions to the runners on the route to be followed

It may be mentioned that the Civil Defence Volunteers Blood Donor Group was set up last year with the Deputy Commissioner as the Chairman and the Deputy Controller Civil Defence as Member Secretary. Its main objective is to cater to the emergency requirement of blood during any disaster, and especially as part of the earthquake preparedness programme due to predictions of major earthquake in the region before 2010

The volunteers/members of this organization are drawn from NGOs, government-registered organizations, NCC, Civil Defence and Home Guards volunteers. The organization is already functional and has been donating blood for medical emergencies and is also mobilizing volunteers for membership

Press Release No. 813/05

DISTRICT LEVEL INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION INAUGURATED

The Deputy Commissioner, East Garo Hills, Mr. F. Kharlyngdoh inaugurated a three day District Level Industrial Exhibition organized by the District Industries Centre (DIC), Williamnagar on December 6, 2005

Speaking at the inaugural function, Mr. Kharlyngdoh said that the District has been blessed with good natural resources which are yet to be tapped. Therefore, he called upon the people to come forward and utilize and make proper use of it for their own benefit. He then expressed his hope that this kind of exhibition will help the local entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase their skills and at the same time it will serve as a platform to exchange their views and opinions

The meeting was presided over by the District Horticulture Officer, Williamnagar, Mr. S Chism. Mr. B Hajong, ADC, Mr. F D Sangma, S P, East Garo Hills, Mr. A P S Warnongbri, General Manager, DIC, Williamnagar and Mr. P R Marak, Manager, DIC, Williamnagar were among others who spoke on the occasion