Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 292/15

CHERRY TREE PLANTATION LAUNCHED IN CITY

Shillong, May 14, 2015: As a precursor for holding India’s first Cherry Blossom Festival in the State, the Avenue Cherry Tree Plantation was launched by the Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma in the presence of Minister for Forest & Environment Prestone Tynsong at Ward’s Lake, here today morning.

The plantation was organized by the Department of Forest & Environment in collaboration with Institute of Bio-resources & Sustainable Development (IBSD), Government of India and Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) to have an avenue plantation of cherry plants and give Shillong a unique and distinct look.

The plantation of cherry trees was carried out by the dignitaries, officials of the department and others in the Ward’s Lake premises, in front of State Convention Centre and other sites in the city some of which were identified by the Chief Minister himself.

Launching the plantation in a brief but impressive function, the Chief Minister said, “as we move ahead with the concept of Green Meghalaya, we should do it in a more scientific way so that it is in sync with our objective of Destination Meghalaya” and expressed his happiness to have the “convergence of thoughts and minds” in this initiative. Stating that Shillong has the fame of being one of the most beautiful hill stations in the country, he said that we need to ensure that it keeps up its name and fame futuristically and based on this, the government has come up with the concept of making Meghalaya a destination.

“When we build or plan our roads, our localities, our habitations, the aesthetic part is very important” he said. When we talk of making Meghalaya as the most liveable State there are many things that need to be done and this is just one part of it, he added.

Forest & Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong, who spoke briefly on the occasion, expressed his hope that with this designed avenue plantation of cherry trees there will be increased visitors and tourists coming to the State.

Earlier, the Director of IBSD, Manipur, Prof. D. Sahoo, in his introductory address, said that this idea was born after he saw wild cherry trees being grown in a haphazard manner in Shillong. The state has a lot of potential in terms of eco-tourism and employment generation and we can utilize this unique bio-resource with a proper design so that “after Japan when people talk of cherry blossoms they will talk about India, they will talk about Shillong”, he said.

Press Release No. 293/15

ARTIFICIAL FOOTBALL TURF AT MAWLAI MADAN HEH STADIUM INAUGURATED

Shillong, May 14, 2015: The artificial football turf was inaugurated by Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma today at Madan Heh Stadium, Mawlai Phudmuri.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Dr. Mukul Sangma said that it is the intent of the Government to respond to the aspirations of the people. He congratulated the people of Mawlai for being able to have availed such an opportunity and saluted the people who had actually come over and associated themselves with the transformation of the ground. “Football is a game that brings people together”, he said while highlighting the importance of unification of the people through sports and added that as and when required the Government is ready to give the right kind of support. He further said that with the right kind of infrastructure sports can actually be a revenue earner for the State.

Speaking as the Guest of Honor, Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Shri Zenith Sangma said that it is indeed a happy moment for sports lovers of Mawlai and that the fund was actually sanctioned for a bigger stadium but due to the non-availability of space, the actual 8,000 sq.mts. was reduced to 6,000 sq.mts, he added. He also informed that out of total amount of Rs. 4 crores sanctioned, the rest of the amount was utilized for other purposes such as roofing, chairs, fencing of the stadium. While appreciating the enormous potentiality that the youth of Meghalaya has, Mr Zenith said that the Government is committed to develop sports activities in the State and that the government is focusing diligently for the last three years in this area.

He also informed that the District Sports Commission Society under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner has been set up in all the 11 Districts of the State and an amount of Rs. 5 crores has also been sanctioned for the same, he therefore urged upon the people to avail of it for any sports related activity.

Also present at the inaugural function were, S D Khongwir, President, Mawlai Town Dorbar, G Kharmujai, Ex President & Advisory Board Member and Marcel Kharbani, President, Mawlai Sports Club besides a large number of school students and residents of Mawlai.

Press Release No. 294/15

E-LIBRARY OF SHILLONG HIGH COURT BAR ASSOCIATION INAUGURATED

Shillong, 14th May, 15: Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma today inaugurated the E-Library of the Shillong High Court Bar Association at the premises of Shillong High Court Bar Association in the presence of Chief Justice, Uma Nath Singh, Justice, T N K Singh and Justice, S R Sen.

In his inaugural address, Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma said that the E-Library will provide access to the wealth of knowledge to the members of the Bar association. He also said that it is necessary for democracy to strike a balance and for that a strong judicial system is needed. He hoped that the E-Library will provide that immediate access and strengthen the participation of the members in the system of judiciary. Assuring that the government will re-strategize the approach of investing and giving support to this important pillar of democracy, the Chief Minister said that it is a challenge for the government to place the members of the Bar association in all the district headquarters of the state. He also added that as policy makers of the state the E-Library would also be of great help because as legislators also need to refer to various rulings of Supreme Court and High Court.

Earlier, President, Shillong High Court Bar Association, P J Kynta, in his welcome address informed that with the facility of E-Library, members of the Bar association and students of law will now be connected to law reports and case studies from all over the world.

Among others who spoke at the function were Chief Justice, Uma Nath Singh, Pradeep K Rai and Advocate General, K S Kynjing.