Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 416/13

PROHIBITION OF SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES

Shillong, August 7, 2013: A meeting in connection with the National Tobacco Control Programme and Enforcement of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) was held on 7th August, 2013 under the chairmanship of Shri Sanjay Goyal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Shillong at his office chamber. Officers from various District offices, representatives from NEHU, Colleges, Taxi Drivers Association and cinema operators in Shillong attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the Chairman informed about the Notification from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India which was issued on 30th May, 2008, prohibiting smoking in Public places or any place to which the public have access, whether as of right or not , and includes, Hotels, Restaurants, coffee houses, pubs, bars, airport lounges, auditorium, hospitals, stadium, public offices, court buildings, educational institutions, libraries, public conveyances, railway station, bus stop or bus stand and other such places visited by the general public.

Further, the cigarettes and other tobacco products Act-2003 (COTPA) was also discussed concerning sections prohibiting sale of tobacco products within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institution. It was also decided in the meeting that in order to enforce the tobacco control in the district in a big way, the district administration will conduct regular checking in all the public places including public conveyances such as Taxi, Sumo, buses, etc. and impose fine of Rs 200/- to the offender relating to smoking in public places and sale of Tobacco Products to minors.

To ensure proper enforcement of the Act, the public are also requested to cooperate with the district administration by reporting to the police telephone number 100, 2222277 (police control), 2223451 (Sadar traffic) if they found any taxi driver including sumo and buses are found smoking while conveying the passengers or in public places.

Press Release No. 417/13

MEGHALAYA GOVERNMENT TAKES OVER MEGHALAYA HOUSE AT RUSSEL STREET, KOLKATA

Shillong, August 7, 2013: The Meghalaya Public Works Department (PWD) took over the newly-constructed Meghalaya House at Russel Street , Kolkata from the construction agency, M/s Asian Housing and Infrastructure Pvt. Limited (AHIPL) in a ceremony held at the conference hall of the Meghalaya House at Russel Street , Kolkata on 5th August, 2013.

The programme was attended by Mr. H. D. R. Lyngdoh, Meghalaya GAD Minister, Mr. P. W. Ingty, Principal Secretary, GAD, Mr. S. B. Chyrmang, Secretary and Chief Engineer, PWD (B), Mr. H. M. Shangpliang, Joint Secretary, GAD and Trade Adviser and Director of Movement, Meghalaya House, Kolkata, Directors of the Asian Housing and Infrastructure Pvt. Limited Mr. H. Garg, Mr.S.Garg, Mr. P. K. Agarwal, Mr. K. Agarwal and Mr. V. S. Gupta, Architect Mrs. S. Santra, State government officials and other dignitaries.

It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya House at Russel Street, Kolkata has three blocks. Block –I- Basement + G + 5 structure comprises of a commercial block with a total built up area of 80950 sq.ft. Block –II - Ground + 5 structure with a total built up area of 41364 sf.ft. comprising of the Guest House and the Office Block which includes reception area, estate office, dining room, 8 nos double bedded ordinary rooms, 19 nos double bedded VIP rooms, 1 no VVIP suite and 2 nos dormitories. Block –III - Ground + 5 structure, service block for support staff with a total built up area of 15006 sf.ft. comprising of 12 nos staff quarters, 2 nos officers quarters, 1 no dormitory and drivers rest room.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. H. D. R. Lyngdoh said that the completion of the construction of the building and the handing over process, the long aspiration of the people of the State have been fulfilled, adding that it is a proud asset of the State of Meghalaya in Kolkata. Mr. Lyngdoh said that Meghalaya House can provide additional accommodation to the visitors from Meghalaya travelling to Kolkata and at the same time it can be utilized for various important meetings and other purposes of the State in Kolkata.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma who is presently in Johannesburg , South Africa in his message, has expressed extreme happiness at the handing over of Meghalaya House, Russell Street , Kolkata once again to the Government of Meghalaya.

“I am very happy that this has come true, while keeping in mind that besides officials of the Government of Meghalaya there are also a sizeable population of young people going to Kolkata to pursue their studies, I hope and believe that Meghalaya House at Russell Street will be a facilitation point for our young friends in their pursuit for higher education. I strongly believe that the Meghalaya House will be in a position to extend further service to the people of Meghalaya”, said Dr. Sangma.

Mr. Mr. H. M. Shangpliang in his speech provided a brief history of the project and hoped that the new house will cater to the rising flow of visitors from Meghalaya to Kolkata particularly in the winter months. Others who spoke on the occasion were Mr. P.W.Ingty, Mr. H. Garg, Mr. S. B. Chyrmang and Mr. A. Dkhar, SDO (PWD).

Press Release No. 418/13

BAN ON DRILLING OF BORE WELLS IN WJHS

Shillong, August 7, 2013: The District Magistrate, West Jaintia Hills District has issued an order banning drilling of bore wells in the District.

The District Magistrate has imposed the order banning drilling of bore wells in the Jowai Town as constant drilling of bore wells would have an adverse impact on the water table and cause serious ecological imbalance.