Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 485/18

JEEVAN RAKSHA PADAK SERIES OF AWARDS, 2018

The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has informed that the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs had instituted an Award designed, “Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards, 2018” for meritorious acts of humane nature in saving the life of a person in incidents like drowning, accidents, fire incidents, electrocution, landslides, animal attack and rescue operations in mines, etc. As the name of the award suggests, the award is given to a rescuer for saving someone’s life. The awards are given in three Categories: i) Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, ii) Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak and iii) Jeevan Raksha Padak. Detailed information may be downloaded from the District website: http://eastkhasihills.gov.in.

Press Release No. 486/18

PROHIBITORY ORDER

The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has issued a prohibitory order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting the use of polythene with a thickness of less than 40 microns as one of the measures to curb the proliferation of plastic wastes in all Tourist spots, location and destinations in East Khasi Hills District. This order comes into force with immediate effect. The order has been issued in view of the reports received time and again that indiscriminate disposal of used plastic in various forms is rampantly taking place in Tourist spots, locations and destinations within the District and this has resulted in an alarming accumulating of plastic wastes which is increasingly becoming an eyesore and a nuisance besides adversely reducing the scenic and aesthetic pristine beauty of popular Tourist Landmarks within the District. This has a tendency to discourage incoming Tourists and other Visitors thereby affecting the economy, generation of revenue and other income opportunities for both Government and Non-Government Agency(s) as well as other private groups and individuals who are dependent directly or indirectly on State Tourism. Moreover, haphazard dumping of used plastic is in serious contravention to the various Environmental Protection Act & Waste Management Rules of Government of India with special reference to Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

Press Release No. 487/18

WORKSHOP CUM AWARENESS PROGRAMME FOR PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL TOURISM

A One Day Workshop cum Awareness programme for Promotion and Development of Rural Tourism through Cooperative Societies organized by the Office of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies in collaboration with the Office of the Meghalaya Village Development and Promotion Tourism Cooperative Society Limited (MVDPT), Shillong was held today at Rangtylliang village under Pynursla C&RD Block. The programme was attended by the members of the Cooperative Societies and SHGs of the areas. During the Workshop, Smti R. Kharmujai, Managing Director, MVDPT said that the Government has identified rural tourism as one of the thrust areas and the Meghalaya Village Development & Promotion Tourism Cooperative Society Ltd, was registered as a Cooperative Society in order to ensure promotion of eco tourism and smooth operations of rural tourism projects spread in different parts of the State and with an anticipation that more villages in the State are covered up under the Rural Tourism Projects, a venture under the Cooperative Sector. Smti Kharmujai stated that the State of Meghalaya has the potential to develop and promote tourism industry, and the strength of rural tourism lies in the villages which offer a unique experience close to the nature for the tourists with the beautiful natural scenery, rich culture and tradition. Shri D. L. Nongspung, Chairman MVDPT in his speech said for the successful management of tourism requires the participation of a various agencies and particularly the community at the local destination level through the cooperative societies. He also assured that the Cooperative Society will continue to provide necessary guidance, capacity building and assistance to promote and develop the tourism industry at a village level. He also stressed on the need to preserve beauty of nature, protect the social, cultural and environmental integrity of the areas. Shri B. Nongkynrih, Tourist Officer, highlighted the Role of Tourism Department and its objective to harness the vast untapped rural tourism prospect of the State. He also informed that tourism is today projected as an engine of economic growth and the Tourism Department focusing on rural tourism for opening up new fields of activities to generate employment opportunities and promote sustainable livelihoods in villages. During the workshop, a power point presentation and a short Documentary film was also shown to the participants with regard to promoting of eco-rural tourism through MVDPTCS in the state of Meghalaya. Others who spoke on the occasion were Smti J. Kharsohnoh, Jt. Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Shri S. Kharsyntiew, Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies and Shri Y. Lyngdoh, Sr. Cooperative Officer.