Shillong, June 19: The Integrated Basin Development and Livelihoods Promotion (IBDLP), the flagship program of Dr Mukul Sangma led MUA II government has been slowly and steadily progressing towards a successful start in the West Garo Hills.
The first part of the process has been the set up of the Enterprise Facilitation Centres (EFC) all over the place. Informing this DC of West Garo Hills, Pravin Bakshi said, “This whole month is very important for us as we have taken the first few steps to promote IBDLP.
Further, Bakshi also highlighted that a team has been visiting the Ganol region as it is one of the most important areas for the town of Tura. “With current and future water supply to be worked out from the region, we have prioritized the development of the area. There are currently 1506 villages in the West Garo Hills and we will be trying to reach everyone,” he said.
The main aim of IBDLP has been to promote alternative livelihoods for the people. Villagers can choose at least 3 livelihood options other than their primary one to ensure they are economically safe. It is expected that once the livelihoods have been worked out, the dependence on forests and forest products will decrease and ensure the forests are protected from overuse.
With the District Administration converging to protect the environment and the forests around Garo Hills, the focus during the recent meet on Environment had spoken of alternative livelihoods being the main problem for the people of Garo Hills.
Bakshi confirmed the focus remained the same and this time, action on the discussion would be carried out. He said most of the villages of the region have also agreed to loans from banks to start their work. The loans would be managed by the District Administration in collaboration with banks of the region.(SP News)
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