Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 142/12

FOUNDATION STONE FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE AT MANAI LAID

Shillong, April 20, 2012: “Meghalaya is still dependent on other state for its foodgrains, meat and other eatable goods” said Mr. B.M.Lanong, Deputy Chief Minister incharge AH&Vety Meghalaya while addressing the gathering at the function laying a foundation stone for construction of a vocational training centre at Manai, West Khasi Hills, today in presence of Mr. Metbah Lyngdoh, Local MLA and Chairman MIDC.

Mr. Lanong urged upon the people to take full advantage of the training to be imparted by the experts on the field after completion of the institute which will help farmer to increase the rearing products as per the new technique which will improve the economic condition of the people. He inform that the government through AH & Vety department will also encourage rearing sheep which not only give meat to eat but also produce wool which is of high demand in our state. While expressing his happiness to associate himself with the programme Mr. Lanong called upon the people to support the government in its endeavour to bring development for the well being of the people and state and a whole.

The local MLA Mr. Metbah Lyngdoh while addressing the gathering informed that the setting up of the institute will not only impart training but will also equip farmer especially youngster to be self dependence since white collar job has reached its saturated point. He expressed his gratefulness to the government and the department for bringing the training centre at Manai which is a blessing to the farmer of West Khasi Hills to increase their production.

Others who spoke were Mr. S. Kharlyngdoh, Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills, Dr.L. Lyngwa, Director AH & Vety. Who chaired the function Dr. E. Bareh, Joint Director, AH& Vety. Mr. P. Syiemlieh, Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw, Headman of Manai, Sordar of Pyndengumiong, Sordar of Mairang Mission, and Dr. H. S. Shylla, Sub Divisional A.H.&Vety Officer who offered the vote of thanks.

Press Release No. 143/12

PUBLIC HEARING ON 3 X 80 MW UMNGOT HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECT

The people of Moosakhia, Sohmynting and Samanong villages in Amlarem Sub division, Jaintia Hills District have unanimously voted in favour of commissioning of the (3 x 80 MW) Umngot Hydro Electric Project proposed by the MeECL at a Public Hearing held at Moosakhia village on April 20, 2012.

The Public Hearing, organised by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and the Jaintia Hills District Administration, was held to elicit the views and opinions of all stakeholders in the Project and based on which the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Govt. of India, will decide whether to grant an Environmental Clearance for the Project or not.

The Public Hearing commenced with a Presentation by Shri H.W. Lyngdoh Mawnai, SE (Investigation & Design Circle), MeECL, Umiam where he shared the findings conducted by MeECL in its Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan (EIA/EMP) studies. The Total Project Cost is estimated at Rs 1853 crores to be implemented over a period of 5(five) years and covering an area of 390 Hectares straddling both Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills.

The Hearing was then left open for the submission of written comments by the general public after which different stake holders of the project like local NGOs, landowners, teachers and headmen gave their opinions, comments and suggestions on the project.

All speakers urged the Government to commission the project as soon as possible as it would give a much needed boost to the development of infrastructure like electricity, roads, schools and hospitals to the area. They also cautioned the MeECL against contracting the work to private companies and to keep to its promises regarding Environmental Conservation, Compensation for affected land owners and families, Maintenance of Public Health and Land Management.

It may be mentioned that this Public Hearing is only the first step in getting the Environmental Clearance for the Project as approval will also have to be sought from East Khasi Hills where the project is estimated to affect nine villages and over 139 families.