Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 197/12

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING

Shillong, June 5, 2012: As part of the observation of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Department of Social Welfare will organize a series of programmes and activities at the District and Block level throughout the State through the District Social Welfare Officers and Child Development Project Officers from June 11-25, 2012 and will culminate on June 26, 2012. School and college students will be involved in these programme and activities. The main aim of the programme is to bring about a much needed awareness on the ill effects of drugs and alcohol especially among the youth.

Press Release No. 198/12

TRANSIT OF VENUS VIEWING CAMP

Shillong, June 5, 2012: A rare celestial event, known as the ‘Transit of Venus’ will occur on June 6, 2012. This is a natural phenomenon where the planet venus comes between the sun and the earth and cast a small shadow on the surface of the sun. This particular event will be the last transit of venus of the century, the next appearance will be witnessed after 105.5 years.

In Shillong the transit will begin at 3hrs.40mins.31 secs and end at 10hrs.21mins.03 secs. The State Council of Science, Technology & Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya is organizing a ‘viewing camp’ for the public at the Shillong Science Centre, NEHU Campus, Mawlai, Shillong on June 6, 2012 from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. The camp is being organized in collaboration with the Shillong Science Centre. SCSTE, Meghalaya is also making effort to make solar filters available in all the districts for safe viewing of the transit by the public. The same are available from the offices of the District Planning Officers of the respective District.

Press Release No. 199/12

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY OBSERVED

Shillong, June 5, 2012: With a view to create awareness among the students about the environmental degradation and needs of ecological balance, the Youth Fellowship of the Nongmensong Presbyterian Church together with the Nongmensong Presbyterian Lower & Upper Primary School, Shillong observed the World Environment Day on June 5, 2012 at a simple but impressive function held in the school premises.

“Living in a clean and better world will improve life for all of us, no matter where we live” said Mr. A.L. Hek, Minister for Water Resources while speaking on the occasion as the chief guest.

He lamented that our environment continues to face serious environmental degradation due to negligence and destruction of environment by mankind which lead to global warming and drastic climatic change around the world.

He called upon the students to actively participate in the preservation of environment by taking part in different programmes organized from time to time. Mr Hek stressed on the need of more initiatives especially by the youth in creating awareness and engage themselves in preservation activities of environment to help nature regain its pristine beauty.

Others present on the occasion include Rev. R. Phanbuh, Mr. S D Chyne, members of youth wing, students and teachers of the School.

To mark the observation, skit and song were presented by the students of the school followed by tree plantation in the school campus and church cemetery by the chief guest, students and others present on the occasion.