Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 252/10

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY OBSERVED

Shillong, June 07, 2010: With a view to create awareness amongst people about the importance of nature and its preservation, World Environment Day was observed on June 5, 201O at Sohra Civil Sub-Division in two places.

In the function held at Laitmawsiang and Laitryngew Community Hall, Dr. P W Khongjee, MLA and Parliamentary Secretary and Dr. H J Syiemlieh, Associate Professor, Department of Geography, NEHU, Shillong were the Chief Guests respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Khongjee said that preservation is the need of the hour and therefore stressed upon the need of scientific ways of mining as well as sustainable use of forest resources.

In the function held at Laitryngew Community Hall, Dr. Syiemlieh said that Cherrapunjee is blessed in many ways, however the problem of water scarcity continues to persists. Therefore, he stressed upon the need for water harvesting and said that the issue of water scarcity can be effectively addressed through public participation. He added that necessary steps for better planning and general specification of funds need to be taken up for different activities in the area.

In a function held at Mellim, West Garo Hills organinsed by the Department of Forest and Environment, Social Forestry Division, West Garo Hills, Tura in collaboration with ARDA, IPTAC, NSS, Tura Government College and the students of Secondary School Mellim, Shri. I K. Sangma, retired Joint Director and former Secretary, MBOSE graced the occasion as Chief Guest. A Drawing competition themed ‘Animal and Bird’ and an extempore speech on the topic relating to the environment were also held.

Speaking in the occasion, Shri. I. K. Sangma stressed on the need of more such initiatives in the future and to help nature regain its pristine beauty in the region in particular and the State in general. He also commended the organizers for their laudable efforts and urged them to organize more such programmes. Other dignitaries include Shri. B. A. Sangma, FR Range Forest Officer, Social Forestry, Tura, Shri. P. R. Marak, DFO, Garo Hills Division, Tura, Shri. Bilman Ch. Sangma, Member, IPTAC, Lecturers, NSS students from Tura Government College, members of IPTAC, students and teachers from Mellim Secondary School.

The meetings in all venues were followed by tree planting.

Press Release No. 253/10

NOTIFICATION

Shillong, June 07, 2010: The Government of Meghalaya has declared the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) Permanent Complex, Umiam as “Protected Area’ in public interest and in the interest of the safety and security of the place. This was informed by the Secretary to the Government, Political Department.