Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 105/23

G20 CONCLAVE NATURE SOLVES

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday addressed the G20 conclave Nature Solves A new framework for our sustainable future at Shillong. The conclave was organized by Observer Research Foundation (ORF), climate think tank and Meghalaya Basin Development Agency (MBDA), Government of Meghalaya.

Speaking at the conclave, the Chief Minister said that he had a discussion with an expert, who has pointed out to him that the entire Arctic will melt in the next 8-10 years, and the trade routes will change and it was important to study the changes. Talking of a decade and the Arctic will melt, and it opens up a challenge and ways we look at things from now on, he added. Talking about climate change, he said that it is important as a Government and as society to realize that climate change is real. We have to find ways to adapt and mitigate climate change. The road in front of us is more or less clear, that the lifestyle and the consumption driven economic policies that we have has a lot to do with how the climate is being affected.

Elaborating on consumption driven economic policies, the Chief Minister said, there is a need to balance economic growth with green sustainable policies. We need to provide alternatives for livelihood and create parallel economies. Talking on the issue of power, the Chief Minister said that Meghalaya has huge deposits of coal and by adopting thermal power plants, it could have been resolved but the challenge is to ensure balance and find solution to problems. He said that the Government has to take into consideration several parameters and ensure that development and ecological concerns are balanced out. You need to give people an option and space to shift or transit into whatever is better, he added.

Talking about community based governance, he said, Meghalaya is a very strong advocate of community based governance and our society is our greatest strength, which makes activities possible at the grassroots. We have a decentralized Governance system to address the issues at the grassroot level through the communities, who are the integral part of our society. Our communities have always been at the forefront in preserving and conserving our age old traditions and values, he added. He said that the community based governance model of Meghalaya could be replicated in other States. He also announced that through the Centre of Excellence for Climate Change in Shillong, the Government is contemplating to create awareness amongst school and college students.

Our government has initiated Green Meghalaya, one of its unique kind, through which the communities are rewarded for preserving and protecting the natural cover. We aim to preserve 2 lakh hectares of forest cover over the next 5 years, through this program. We are also working relentlessly to improve and maintain the serenity of this Heaven we call home. We are working on a comprehensive action plan to tackle climate change State Action Plan on Climate Change 2.0. It will help us identify the key problems by analysing data derived from scientific studies, vulnerability assessment and provide corresponding action plans to mitigate them, he informed.

He further said that we need to support initiatives that promote sustainable practices, such as regenerative agriculture, reforestation, and the development of renewable energy sources. By doing so, we can create a virtuous cycle, where economic growth is intertwined with ecological well-being. Chief Minister’s Solar Mission will provide standalone solar power systems to households and institutions, which will lead to incorporation of renewable clean energy into the state’s power needs, he said, while adding, our community led conservation efforts have resulted in the revival of degraded ecosystems, the protection of endangered species, and the empowerment of local communities. We have recognized the immense potential of ecotourism, showcasing our rich biodiversity to the world while creating livelihood opportunities for our people.

He further advocated that North East needs to look at certain things collectively and climate change is a subject, which requires collective decisions. We need to have a regional North East Conference along with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan and environment related issues need to be discussed together. There is no boundary of states for climate change. We need to come up with certain policies and discuss environment related issues collectively.

Press Release No. 106/23

ZONAL REVIEW MEETING HELD IN JAINTIA HILLS

Minister incharge of Health, Agriculture and Family Welfare, Information and Public Relations Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh had a Zonal meeting with the Health departments, Agriculture and Horticulture department, Research department of both districts of Jaintia Hills in the conference room of Soil and Water Conservation office, Mihmyntdu, West Jaintia Hills to discuss on the various health issues and assess the progress of ongoing projects in the districts.

The Health Minister Dr. Ampareen had a meeting with MLAs, Medical officers to discuss on the health scenario of both the districts. The Minister interacted with the health officials to understand the current state of health care of both the districts and also discuss on possible solutions. She also interacted with the ASHAs

Later, Ampreen Lyngdoh had a meeting with the officers of Agriculture, Horticulture and Research officer, District and Local Research Station and Laboratory, of both thd district to dicuss on the progress of the ongoing projects undertaken by the departments in the Districts. The officers presented the schemes related to agriculture, horticulture and research highlighting the work being done and the outcome.

The MLAs who attended the meeting includes Shri. Wailadmiki Shylla of Jowai, Shri. Nujorki Sungoh of Mowkaiaw, Shri. Lahkmen Rymbui of Amlarem and Smt. Santa Mary Shylla of Sutnga- Saipung. Smt. Isawanda Laloo, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya Department of Agriculture and Farmerd' Welfare, West and East Jaintia