Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 75/23

MEGHALAYA SPEAKER LAUNCHES DISTRICT PLANTATION MISSION AT TOSEKGRE

The Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and MLA, North Tura Thomas A Sangma today launched the District Plantation Mission at Tosekgre Government L P School under Rongram C and RD Block, West Garo Hills district. In the simultaneous program that was held at the same venue, the Chief Guest also inaugurated the New School Building of Tosekgre Government Lower Primary School Building under Rongram C and RD Block.

Addressing the gathering amidst heavy downpour, Thomas A Sangma said that though it is raining, all are calm since people have experience much hotter days without rain. Mentioning about the ambitious Plantation Mission, he said that in order to safeguard and protect our environment and revive our rivers, massive plantation drive should be organized every now and then since we can see less forest cover everywhere and drying up of streams in the area, he added. Further, appreciating the communication skills of the Deputy Commissioner to connect with the people of the region, he said that learning to speak the local dialect is a good approach to understand and reach out to the people better.

Mentioning about the New School Building inauguration, he informed that about 64 schools of the district would be covered under infrastructure upgradation project in phase 1, out of which 14 schools have been selected for the project from North Tura. He then explained that these infrastructure projects are being implemented in the State since many government schools are in a dilapidated condition which is the main reason why parents do not want to send their wards to these schools and therefore, infrastructure upgradation is necessary to make the students comfortable while studying. He also expressed hope that the new school building caters to the needs of the student and provide favorable environment in future.

Meanwhile, the West Garo Hills, Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani highlighted on the importance of the preservation of environment, trees and streams in the region adding that people have witnessed in the last few days without rain and drying up of water sources with increasing temperatures. Mentioning that due to decreasing forest cover in the region, the area is more prone to landslides, drying up of streams, etc and therefore, he said that preservation of the environment is the need of the hour and urged the people to plant trees and especially bamboo plants since bamboo plant not only helps to retain water but helps to prevent soil erosion.

The Chief Guest along with other dignitaries also planted bamboo saplings near the river at Tosekgre. Officials of FDARC also demonstrated on planting of black pepper, red banana and bamboo during the plantation mission.

It may be mentioned that the New School Building of Tosekgre Government Lower Primary School Building under Rongram Block has been constructed under Infrastructure Upgradation Phase 1 Funding under States Scheme, Government of Meghalaya with sanctioned amount of Rs. 37,02,028.