Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 849/04

ECO PARK AT MAWSMAI INAUGURATED

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr D D Lapang today inaugurated the Eco Park at Nongthymmai Mawsmai near Sohra in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Donkupar Roy, Minister Soil Conservation, Mr M N Mukhim, Minister for C&RD, Mr Brening A Sangma, local MLA, Mr F A Khonglam and the Chief Secretary, Mr P J Bazeley. The inaugural function was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner and Chairman DRDA East Khasi Hills, Mr D P Wahlang. The Eco Park was developed under the Samporna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) scheme 2002-2003 through the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), East Khasi Hills as the Nodal Agency and the project was implemented by the State Soil and Water Conservation Department.

Dr Lapang in his inaugural address said that development of Tourism industry in the State is one of the main agenda of the State government. He said that the State has gone through various obstructions to development and the present scenario is that the people has shown their understanding that it is only thorough development that the people will prosper. He said that for development to take place, peace is the only gateway. He expressed his confidence that with the present peacefulness in the State, tourism industry will flourish in the State especially Sohra which already have the natural potential. He stated that with the development of Tourism, the economy of the place will grow and also that of the State as a whole.

Dr Lapang lauded the DRDA and the Soil Conservation Department for their noble efforts to develop the area into a beautiful tourist spot. He stated that the place is being privatized keeping in mind the policy of the Government to encourage privatization as far as practicable. This will encourage a sense of responsibility and ownership among the people, he added. Dr Lapang expressed his confidence that with the present mindset of the people, showing their maturity, towards maintaining peace and tranquility in the State, investors from outside the State will not hesitate to come and invest in many potential sectors in the State. Concluding his speech, Dr Lapang said that the inauguration of the Eco Park will send a message to all that the State of Meghalaya is very peaceful and it is all set to develop Tourism to the maximum and to welcome all people to visit Meghalaya as a beautiful tourist destination.

Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Donkupar Roy in his short speech urge upon the people of the area to extend their full cooperation with the government and to see that the tourists that comes to visit the place are safe as it will send a message across that Meghalaya is a place where peace reigns supreme.

Chief Secretary, Mr P J Bazeley in his speech said that inauguration of the Eco Park is a landmark and a milestone in the history of Mawsmai village. He opined that Sohra has a historic position in the history of the North Eastern Region, it occupies a prime position in the State and the country as a whole. Sohra holds the key to Tourism development of the State of Meghalaya and the North Eastern Region. It has a bright future for the growth of Tourism in the State, he added. Mr Bazeley lauded the people of Mawsmai for their farsightedness and vision, which is of prime importance in development stating that the Government is only a facilitator but the people’s participation is the most important. He also urged the people to continue in their efforts to develop the area in all aspects.

The Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman DRDA, East Khasi Hills District, Mr D P Wahlang in his brief speech informed that the idea for setting up of the 20 hectares Eco Park at Mawsmai was conceived during the year 2002 followed by preparation of the Master Blue Print of the Eco Park by the Soil Conservation Department. He informed that the developed Eco Park has a 5-hectare Sacred Grove, 3 water harvesting structures, afforestation space, Shopping centre with 5 shops, Pay and use toilets, children’s playing space, picnic huts, waterfalls, view points, monoliths and a spacious parking yard and also a 2 hrs trek route to Laitiam village located down below the Eco Park. He also informed that the management of the Eco Park is privatized.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were Soil conservation Minister, Mr Martle N Mukhim, C&RD Minister, Mr Brening A Sangma, MLA from Rongjeng, Mr P G Momin and the local MLA Mr F A Khonglam. Earlier, Mr R S Hynniewta, Sordar of Mawsmai delivered the welcome address while Mr K Khriem, Ex Sordar of Mawsmai proposed the vote of thanks. The other highlights of the day were a song presented by the children of Mawsmai village and the cultural dance presented by the Jeebon Roy Creative Arts Academy.

Press Release No. 850/04

1ST SUYCC KNOCK-OUT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT CONCLUDED

The Football Tournament organised by the Sohiong Unit Youth Congress Committee, concluded at Umsaw playground on December 18,2004. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Meghalaya Home Minister etc., Mr. H.D.R. Lyngdoh, who is also the local MLA of the area. The final match was played between Krang Primary Unit and Umsaw Primary Unit where the former beat the latter in a tie-breaker.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Lyngdoh urged the youth to take sports activities more seriously for it can also be a source of livelihood. He also congratulated the participants and the organizers of the tournament as such events promote peace and brotherhood among the participants. He further stressed that youths should shun violence and maintain peace for the overall development of the State.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Mr F.S. Cajee, MDC and the president of the Sohiong Unit Youth Congress Committee.

Press Release No. 851/04

VISITING HOURS TO THE SECRETARIAT GOVERNMENT OFFICES REFIXED

The Under Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Secretariat Administration Department (Estt) has informed that the visiting hours to the Secretariat Government Offices has been re-fixed from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on all working days except for Wednesday, which is a "No Meeting Day".

Visitors to the Chief Minister would be allowed only with special permission obtained from the Private Secretary to the Chief Minister.

Press Release No. 852/04

ANNUAL GET TOGETHER OF THE MGPIEA HELD

The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D. D. Lapang, attended the Annual Get Together -cum- advance Christmas Celebration of the Meghalaya Government Press Industrial Employees’ Association (MGPIEA), Shillong. The function held today, December 20, 2004, was also attended by the Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Mr. Paul Lyngdoh as the Guest of Honour, Mr. Lambor Malngiang, Parliamentary Secretary, while Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister i/c Printing and Stationery, Dr. Donkupar Roy presided over the proceedings.

Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, Dr Lapang congratulated the MGPIEA for organizing such a get together, he also said that during the last few years the Printing and Stationery Department has done a tremendous job, adding that the staff has raise the standard of the press.

Among others who spoke on the occasion includes Mr. Paul, Lyngdoh, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs and Mr. D. Suting, Secretary, MGPIEA.

Other highlight of the day includes songs by the Staffs of the Department, song by the disabled children and distribution of awards and gifts.