Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 78/23

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY CELEBRATED IN SHILLONG

The Meghalaya Biodiversity Board celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2023 today the 22nd May 2023 on the theme From Agreement to Action Build Back Biodiversity at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. Shri D.P Wahlang, Chief Secretary graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The Chief Guest along with the Smti R.M Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shri. S. M. A Razi, Commissioner and Secretary, Forest and Environment cum Chairman, Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, Shri R. S Gill, PCCF and HOFF and Shri S M Sahai PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden released Posters on Biodiversity of Meghalaya, pamphlets on the Biodiversity Heritage Sites during the occasion and distributed prizes to the winners of the Quiz and Photography competitions that were conducted as part of the celebrations.

Addressing the gathering, Shri D.P Wahlang, Chief Secretary of Meghalaya said with this year’s theme, people should bring actions that will build back biodiversity. He stressed that it is the responsibility of all human beings to protect biodiversity. Giving the importance of public education and awareness on the issue, Wahlang stated that the United Nations has decided to celebrate this day to create awareness and also to inculcate the importance of biodiversity especially to the younger generations. Human relationship with nature and other living beings needs a radical rethink in order to address this issue, he added. He further said that, it is important for all the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) of the state at the village level to disseminate the information to protect the ecosystem, flora and fauna of their area with the help of the Peoples Biodiversity Register (PBR).

On the occasion, the Chief Guest also handed over the Best Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) Award 2023 to Umtngam BMC, under Bhoirymbong C and RD Block, Ri Bhoi District and the State level Best Biodiversity Conservation Award to Shri. Tyngshainlang Dewkhaid, Conservationist from Phlangwanbroi, Mawsynram, East Khasi Hills.

International Day for Biological Diversity or World Biodiversity Day is observed every year on May 22 to promote biodiversity conservation. The United Nations proclaimed this day as the International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness on biodiversity.

Press Release No. 79/23

MEGHALAYA GOVERNOR VISITS MAWKYRWAT, MAWPHLANG

As part of a two day visit to the border area on 21st and 22nd May, 2023, the Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Phagu Chauhan visited Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills District and Mawphlang, East Khasi Hills District. The visit is a pivotal aspect of the Governor's outreach initiatives, aimed at fostering stronger connections with local communities and gaining invaluable insights into their challenges and ongoing development endeavors in bordering areas.

As part of his outreach, he spent the night at Mawkyrwat Circuit House on the 21st of May. On the 22nd of May, he made a special visit to the 100-Bedded Hospital in Mawkyrwat, where he personally inspected the facilities. He also visited Maharam Higher Secondary School and interacted with the school children as well as teachers. In addition to inspecting the temporary facilities of JNV Mawkyrwat, the Governor also reviewed the various ongoing construction works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Mawpon, Mawkyrwat and planted tree saplings at the site. During these interactions, he actively engaged with the headmen of local villages, enquiring about their hardships and assured them necessary help.

The Governor, as part of his tour, conducted a series of productive meetings with officials, including with the DC and SP of West Khasi Hills District, departmental heads of various district administrations, heads of multiple central agencies and local representatives including, Syiem of Maharam, Shri Niandro Syiemiong, Syiem of Langrim, Shri Nongtei Syiemiong and Syiem of Mawiong Shri Nobestar Syiem and Secretary, Village Employment Council, Mawkyrwat, Shri M Turnia. The Governor was also apprised by Comdt Rajiv Sharma, Comdt 193 Battalion BSF on issues related to border security.

Furthermore, while returning from Mawkyrwat he took the opportunity to explore the renowned Sacred Grove in Mawphlang, East Khasi Hills, where he was felicitated by the chief of Hima Mawphlang , Shri Craig Alan Lyngdoh. The Governor also visited the Greater Shillong Water Supply and Dam, where he was received by Shri. Syed Md. A. Razi, IRTS, Commissioner and Secretary, PHE and Chief Engineer, PHE, Smti B Lyndem where he was apprised about the storage capacity and supply of water in the Greater Shillong area. The Governor also commended the performance of Meghalaya PHE department in execution of Jal Jeevan Mission and expressed his happiness and conveyed his best wishes for providing water supply to most households.

The Governor was accompanied by his Commissioner and Secretary, Dr B D R Tiwari (IAS) and staff from Raj Bhavan during the visit.