Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 238/22

8TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF THE ALL RABHA STUDENTS UNION OF MEGHALAYA HELD

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Sunday said that Late Purno Agitok Sangma knew that he would not win the presidential election but he contested to demonstrate that indigenous tribal people could also occupy the position. He said that late Sangma contesting the presidential election sent out a loud message that tribal people are not left behind and have every right to contest for the highest constitutional position.

Speaking at the 8th Biennial Conference of the All Rabha Students Union of Meghalaya cum 4th Baiko Dera Festival at Manikganj in North Garo Hills, he said, the dream of late P.A Sangma will become reality and it is proud moment for the tribal people. In 2012, late Sangma was NDA candidate and numbers were not in his favour but today NDA is in majority and the dream of a tribal President of India will fructify. He said that late Sangma wanted to demonstrate by contesting the presidential election that the highest constitutional post in the country was not reserved and even the indigenous tribal people could also occupy the chair of President of India. Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for choosing tribal candidate Draupadi Murmu, he said, It is a recognition for the indigenous tribal people of this country.

Lauding the effort of the Rabha community of Meghalaya for working together to promote and revive their ancient culture and practices, he said, we as a Government are committed to ensure overall socio-economic uplift of the community. He said that culture and heritage of the people is very important and the advent of technology had transformed the society, however it was imperative that one knows their roots and ensures to safeguard the interest of the community.

Deputy Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly Timothy D Shira, MLA Marton Sangma and Rupert Momin attended the programme and spoke on the importance of unity and brotherhood amongst different tribes of the State. Several cultural programmes are being held during the three day festival that promote the cultural heritage of the Rabhas.

Press Release No. 239/22

MEGHALAYA VILLAGES DEVASTATED BY FLOOD

Early this week, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma was seen travelling by boat for hours to inspect the flood affected areas in Baghmara and Siju blocks of South Garo Hills and motivate the team to rebuild the villages of Meghalaya. Conrad K Sangma visited remote villages such as Bolsal A ding, Wagesik, Malikhona, Siju Dobakol and many others which were affected by the worst flood in the recent history of Meghalaya, it took him 10 km of walk through the slushy and hilly roads of Baghmara and Siju and risky boat ride in the fast flowing stream to reach the affected villages in South Garo Hills. The extent of damage and life loss is unimaginable and probably unknown till date as the team continues to restore connectivity and provide relief to the affected villages. Led by the honorable Chief Minister, Indian Air Force, Departments, Honorable Ministers and Communities are working hard to rebuild the villages and support the villagers.

In the mid of this month, rainfall records of Mawsynram and Cherrapunji was seen tumbling. While the State of Meghalaya celebrates its 50th Statehood year, the rainfall in June seems to overpass the last 50 years record in the wettest place of the earth. This has led to one of the worst flash floods, landslides and eventually floods in 8 districts of the State. The entire State machinery led by the Honorable Chief Minister, has been tirelessly working towards restoration of connectivity of roads and bridges, providing relief to stranded and flood affected people, and rebuilding the State. A natural disaster of never seen before scale have devastated Meghalaya. Indian Air Force choppers have come to the rescue of the stranded, there have been 13 trips since 17th June in Maheskhola, Nekora, Bandrasora and Rangthangsora in South Garo Hills to airdrop 25 to 30 quintals essentials like rice, dal, Cooking Oil, Milk, Sugar, Tea, Blankets, Tarpaulin etc to the villagers.

Several bridges have been destroyed, houses of villagers destroyed and landslides have damaged 38 roads that needs to be reconnected in the state which includes portions of National Highway, inter district roads and Village roads in East Jaintia Hills, South Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills districts of Meghalaya. NH62 from Rongdong to Baghmara connecting Siju has been severely damaged and would need time and effort to clear the debris. A similar impact was seen in NH6 near Lumshnong, East Jaintia Hills where towns were disconnected owing to massive landslides.

A total of 34 lives have been lost since April 1, an entire family of 3 died due to landslide in Dangar, East Khasi Hills. Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, handed over cheques towards ex gratia payment of Rs.4 lakhs to the loved ones of the deceased. Amidst the gloomy situation, what comes as refreshing news is the way the entire State Government, Police, Air Force, Army, Community and even opposition political parties have come forward to extend their helping hands in this massive restoration.

Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma visited several remote villages, he was seen walking from Siju Dobakkol to Rongdong to personally meet the affected families and to assess the damages caused to NH 62 by the landslides and road erosion. He also reviewed the ongoing clearing operation being carried out by the PWD Roads from Nongalbibra to Siju. He had instructed the district administration to ensure that relief materials reach even the remotest villages.

Several roads and bridges need restoration work, bridge over Damalgre Mellim Boldamgre road has been washed away and restoration work has been started. Restoration work has started in roads such as Adugre to Purakhasia Road, Siju Tolegre road in Garo Hills and several roads in Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Chief Minister has instructed PWD to work on war footing to restore the damaged roads at the earliest.

The Chief Minister was seen having dinner holding a small packet picked up from the relief food packets consignment in the middle of the road, he mentioned that the extent of damage is huge and needs a complete rebuild. The State Government has requested Rs.300 Crore from Government of India as a relief package.