On July 25, 2021, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Co-operation inaugurated the ‘Greater Sohra Water Supply Scheme’ at Sohra in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya along with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Kongkal Sangma.
- This state government scheme was funded by the Ministry of DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) under NESIDS (North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme) in 2019 with an outlay of 24.08 cr.
- It was conceptualized on the lines of Prime Minister’s ambitious project Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to provide pure drinking water through taps to every household.
Key Point:
The project will provide water supply to Sohra Town and 12 habitations viz. Sderkariah, Khlieh Shnong, Maraikaphon, Pdengshnong, Nongrim, Pomsohmen, Nongsawlia, Mawkisyiem, Saitsohpen, Mawpunkyrtiang, Pynshadkhurai & Kutmadan by tapping the stream source of Wah Lyngksiar and Law Sanlait Spring Sources.
Launch of Green Sohra Afforestation Campaign:
He also launched the Green Sohra Afforestation Campaign at Sohra (Cherrapunji).The slogan for the Campaign is “Evergreen Northeast”.
Launch of Sohra Afforestation Project:
The dignitaries also launched the Sohra Afforestation Project which is a joint initiative of DGAR (Director General of the Assam Rifles) and Government of Meghalaya.
Key Points:
i.The Project includes – Block plantations proposed to be carried in 3,000 Ha; Silvi/ Aromatic/ Pastoral Development in 3,000 Ha; Fuelwood plantations proposed to be carried in 2,000 Ha; 1,000 Ha. of Broom grass plantations; Dense plantation using Miyawaki method to be carried out in over 200 Ha.; Planting 50,000 ornamental trees for enhancing tourism potential; Establishment of 14 nurseries; Forest fire control measures; Capacity building of the local communities in Natural Resource Management.
ii.The plantations would be completed within 3 years and maintenance support will be provided up to 5 years.
iii.The entire area of Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) is going to be adopted by Assam Rifles for the purpose of plantation.
Other Participants:
DoNER Minister Gangapuram Kishan Reddy, MoS (Minister of Science) DoNER B L Verma, MoS Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, PHE (Public Health Engineering) Minister Renikton Lyngdoh.
Launch of Multipurpose Convention Centre and Exhibition Facility:
Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the Multipurpose Convention Centre and Exhibition Facility of the North Eastern Space Applications Centre-NESAC, in Shillong, Meghalaya.
He also presided over the high-level review meeting regarding the operation of Space Science and Technology Centre.
Inaugurated the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Shillong, Meghalaya
Amit Shah inaugurated the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Mawiong in Shillong.It was funded by the Ministry of DoNER, Government of India and was built at an estimated cost of about 48.31 cr.
Points to be Noted – The overall development of the North-eastern region depends on its enhanced link with other parts of India, under this idea, the Government aims to link the capitals of all the states of the Northeast by rail, road and airways before 2023-24.
Recent Related News:
Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) signed MoU with Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (MePDCL) for 60MW of decentralized solar with and also for the business development to implement various sustainable solutions like pump sets, LED lighting and solar power stations for agriculture, etc in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya.
About Meghalaya:
Capital– Shillong
Governor– Satya Pal Malik
