Shillong, July 02: A delegation from the Traditional Chiefs of Hima Sohra, Siatsohpen, Mawsmai and other areas led by Bah John F Kharshiing, Chairman, The Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya, Chairman, Ka Dorbar ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Ka Ri Hynniewtrep, & Spokesperson, Federation of Khasi States met Shri. WMS Pariat, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, in his official chambers, in the Main Secretariat, Shillong to discuss about the fate of the ongoing Sohra Ecological Project which is being implemented in and around 45 villages since last two years in the Sohra area.
During the meeting, Bah E. R. Sawian, Secretary, Synjuk Ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Thain Sohra, submitted the memorandum to the Chief Secretary, urging the Government not to abandon the project which has had a positive impact in the Sohra area.
Bah John F Kharshing, Chairman, Ka Dorbar Ki Khlieh Nongsynshar ka Ri Hynniewtrep, suggested that it would be most helpful if a meeting is held between the stake holders and the departments concerned so as to remove the communication gap that has arisen.
After detail discussions, Shri. WMS Pariat, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, stated that the Sohra Ecological Project, will not be stopped and it cannot be transferred to other areas as the name of the project itself implies that it has to be implemented in Sohra area. He assured the delegation that this project would continue accordingly and infact would be further improved to provide convergence of objectives from different departments. He requested the Traditional Chiefs to also share their observations as to the implantation of the project so as to provide an opportunity to the departments concerned to evaluate review and improve the implementation of such projects for the benefit of the people of Sohra.
The Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, welcomed the suggestions made by the Traditional Chiefs and stated that the Government would consider conducting an evaluation and review of the ongoing Sohra Ecological Project, between the concerned departments of Soil, Tourism, Forest with the Traditional Chiefs and Villages covered by the project concerned.
Those who were also present were Bah R Liam, Secretary, Pdengshnong, Sohra Syiemship, Bah R Rymbai, Sordar, Elaka Saitsohpen, Bah B Sohklet, Secretary Elaka Mawsmai, Bah E.R Sawian, Secretary, Synjuk Ki Khlieh Nongsynshar thain Sohra and Bah J Khyriemmujat, Rangbah Shnong, Nongmadan.(SP News)
