Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 96/24

WORLD WATER DAY OBSERVED AT TURA

The World Water Day was observed at District Auditorium, Tura with the theme “Water for Peace” on 22nd March, 2024. The programme was organised by the Public Health Engineering Department, West Garo Hills, Tura in collaboration with District Administration, West Garo Hills, Tura.

Speaking on the occasion of World Water Day, the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Tura Jagdish Chelani emphasized on the importance of water while also ensuring everyone to take steps for water conservation in future. He mentioned that in earlier days only the urban areas are connected with the tap water, but after the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission almost 70-80 percent of the households are connected to tap water even in rural areas.

Stating that water is life and basic necessity for everyone living on this earth and that water sources are seasonal in the area and therefore, he said that conservation of water by ground water recharge and making it sustainable is necessary at this juncture and also mentioned about basin management for water conservation.  Moreover, he urged everyone to install rain water harvesting in our homes and institutions so that we have enough water to use for daily activities especially during lean season, to use water judiciously and not to throw garbage into water and water sources and that violators will be penalised, he added. Further, he advised everyone to put off water taps, repair water tap leakages and switch off the lights when not in use since electricity is also generated from hydro power which requires water source for its generation and expressed hope that the initiatives undertaken for water conservation achieve success and improve the water scenario in the region.

During the programme, Panel Discussion was also conducted where the Superintending Engineer, Tura Circle cum Member Secretary, JJM, WGH Ambrose D Sangma initiated the discussion and explained in detail about the theme of the World Water Day “Water for Peace”. He said that water is life and basic necessity of all and when water is scarce there will be chaos anywhere as we can see in some places where water is scarce, he added. Further, the Executive Engineer, West Garo Hills region, Rajiv R Marak, Assistant Conservator of Forest, West and South West Garo Hills Region, Baggio Ch Momin, Divisional Soil and Water Conservation Officer, Charseng Marak spoke on the different schemes available in their respective departments, while District Program Manager, MBDA Tangchina Marak informed about the funds and projects being implemented mainly in  Villages for community development and water conservation among others and VEC, Ganol Apal Lipton Sangma spoke about community awareness programs about the projects received from the government and its implementation including various development and preservation activities at the village level. The panel discussion was moderated by Dorang Dekamra M Sangma, WQMIS Co-ordinator, JJM WGH.

Earlier during the function, balloons were also released by the Chief Guest in the presence of other dignitaries to commemorate the celebration and demonstration of World Water Day and Model Exhibition.

Prior to the World Water Day, about six events consisting of 10 K Marathon, Folk Song competition, Essay Competition, Comic Strip Competition, Painting and Video and story Telling competition were conducted for various schools and colleges of the area. The Chief Guest along with other dignitaries felicitated the winners of various competitions held prior to the World Water day celebration which was followed by Model Exhibition during the function.

SDO (T/C), O/o Superintending Engineer PHE, Tura Circle, Balsame M Sangma, PM Technical, JJM, WGH Patiasa Marak, DPM, JJM, WGH Nikrak Sangma were among others who spoke on the occasion.

Press Release No. 97/24

CELEBRATION OF WORLD WATER DAY 2024

The Public Health Engineering Department, Government of Meghalaya today observed the World Water Day 2024 at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. The theme for the World Water Day celebration this year is ‘Water for Peace’.  

Shri D.P Wahlang, Chief Secretary graced the event as the chief guest and Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, Additional Chief Secretary as the guest of honour in the presence of Shri Syed Md. A. Razi, Commissioner and Secretary, PHED Meghalaya, Smti B.M Lyndem, Chief Engineer, PHED Meghalaya, Shillong.

Speaking at the event, Shri D. P Wahlang, Chief Secretary, emphasized the profound significance of water in our lives and its role in fostering peace and prosperity. The theme for this year, 'water for peace', urges everyone to recognize the vital importance of water in promoting cooperation, harmony, and sustainable development. He highlighted Jal Jeevan Mission's crucial role in providing access to clean drinking water for all. While Meghalaya is blessed with abundant rainfall, rich water sources, and stunning landscapes, there is also a pressing concern to sustainably safeguard these water sources and water bodies. He also emphasized that water is not merely a commodity, but a way of life, providing sustenance, spirituality, and cultural heritage.

He further added that water is essential for sustaining ecosystems, nourishing crops, and quenching the thirst of billions, yet access to clean water remains a luxury for many. The Jal Jeevan Mission stands as a testament to the government's commitment to address this disparity and to ensure potable piped water supply to all rural households. JJM acts as a pivotal moment in India's journey towards water security and equity. He also stressed the intrinsic connection between water, peace, and development as the state embarks on this transformative journey.

During the programme, the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions which was held as part of the World Water Day Celebration.

Press Release No. 98/24

FOUNDATION DAY OBSERVED AT RAJ BHAVAN

In line with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative of the Government of India, aimed at strengthening connections and fostering mutual understanding among people from various states and Union Territories, a cultural evening was held at Raj Bhavan Shillong to celebrate the Foundation Day of Bihar.

The event, graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, was presided over by the Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Phagu Chauhan, as the Chief Guest.

In his address, the Hon'ble Governor highlighted the rich heritage and contributions of Bihar to the cultural and economic tapestry of India and extended his best wishes to all the people of Bihar.

He described Bihar as the mother of democracy, the birthplace of various religions and great men, the sacred land of knowledge, culture, harmony and the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha.

The Hon’ble Governor also acknowledged Bihar's significant strides in various fields through the contributions of Aryabhatta, Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur, and Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. He praised Bihar's rich cultural heritage, diverse religious sites like Patna Sahib Gurudwara and Bodh Gaya, and its natural beauty which attracts tourists from all over the world.

The event also featured a splendid array of cultural performances, showcasing Bihar's vibrant culture, arts, and traditions which were presented by the Bhojpuri Samaj, Shillong and through a play entitled “Vishwa Ka Pratham Gantantra Vaishali” presented by the Indigenous Notion and Discovery of Inherit Art, Patna. The play was scripted by Anita Kumari and directed by Uday Kumar Singh. As a mark of appreciation, the Hon’ble Governor presented mementos to all the participants on the occasion.

This program was organized by Raj Bhavan, Shillong, in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Shillong.