Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 190/14

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY OBSERVED IN THE STATE

Shillong, 22 May, 2014: Along with the rest of the world, Meghalaya today observed the International Day for Biological Diversity organized by the Meghalaya State Biodiversity Board and the Department of Forest and Environment at a function held at Aurobindo Hall, Sri. Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture, Shillong.

It may be mentioned that the forest cover in the State is 17,275 sq.km and 84 Biodiversity Management Committee has been constituted in the State. The programe was held to generate awareness among the people particularly the students community on the rich biodiversity that the State has and the importance of preserving it.

Dr. Mukul Sangma, Meghalaya Chief Minister graced the occasion as the Chief Guest which was also attended by Mr. P. Tynsong, Forest and Environment Minister as Guest of Honour in the presence of Mr. P.B.O. Warjri, Additional Chief Secretary and Chairman Meghalaya State Biodiversity Board, Mr. M.S. Rao, Principal Secretary Forest and Environment, Mr. S. Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Mr. A. Lyngdoh, Member Secretary, Meghalaya State Biodiversity Board, Prof. C.S. Rao, Botany Department, St. Anthony’s College, traditional heads, officials of the Forest department and school students.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sangma said that the State is rich in biodiversity but the rapid increase in population and uncontrolled activities has greatly affected the environment which needs to be preserved for ecological balance and sustainable livelihood. Adding that preservation of biodiversity can help to reduce the effects of climate change which have a direct impact on human lives and especially to provide a safe and secure life for the future generation, therefore he felt that proper documentation of the State biodiversity is needed to sensitize the people about the importance of biodiversity for future sustenance which in turn has a great potential to generate employment opportunities.

Dr. Sangma, stressed on the importance of community participation and commitment to enable the government functionaries to get all effective cooperation in its effort to reach out to every nook and corner of the State to protect and preserve the environment.

During the day, Dr. Sangma released the Forest cover Map of Meghalaya, distributes the special prizes to the Biodiversity warriors who rescue the wild animals and prizes to the winners of drawing, painting and essay competitions.

Press Release No. 191/14

NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER OF FIRE SERVICE

Shillong, 22 May, 2014: The Superintendent of Police, Fire and Emergency Service has informed that the new land line telephone number 2215773 has been installed at Fire and Emergency Service Station Control Room Shillong.