PHE trying to address water crisis in Meghalaya, says PHE Minister

Staff Reporter

Shillong, April 21: PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak has assured that the department is going all out to solve the problem of water crisis in the state.

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He told reporters today that the problem of shortage of water supply has arisen due to breakdowns and shutdowns of lines and said, “The department is trying to solve the issues at the earliest”.

Expressing concern over the drying up of water sources due to the impact of global warming, Marak said sincere efforts are being taken by the department to retain and protect the catchment areas.

“The government has also taken steps in water conservation through ADB funds. We are trying to construct check dams and reservoirs so that we hold the water table on the ground…,” he added.

If a report is available on the number of water sources which had dried up in the state, the minister however said, “I don’t have the figure with me right now but I can give you example in Garo Hills where there are projects which are already completed by the department but because of the drying up of the catchment areas at the intake point there is no water at all at this juncture. Therefore it is not possible from the government side to give the water where the catchment areas have dried up. I would appeal to the public to bear with the government for some time and once the monsoons resume all catchment areas will be redeemed.”

Asserting the importance of rainwater harvesting, Marak said, “It is my personal opinion we should take up rainwater harvesting individually if possible. If you are constructing a house and if you can go for rainwater harvesting that will be very beneficial for that particular person. I appeal to every individual whoever is constructing the houses to go for rainwater harvesting that will be very beneficial as it will also help the government and the environment as well.”

Mukul Sangma questions BJP’s move to back Meghalaya NPP-led MDA-2.0

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 9: Former chief minister Mukul Sangma today questioned BJP’s decision to support the National People’s Party-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance – 2.0 government despite its promise of zero tolerance against corruption.

 Sangma told reporters that BJP had said that there is a need to change the MDA regime and the reason being the issue of corruption.

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 “Now issue corruption if they have been so rhetoric on issues of corruption and suddenly they realize that they didn’t get the numbers and surrender, it is not something which is expected by the people nor by political parties like us because with every political party lies a huge responsibility, responsibility towards the larger good of the people and interest of the state,” he said.

 “Now doesn’t BJP subscribe to the idea of walking the talk and at the same time doesn’t they realize the huge amount of responsibility that they have being the political party who is governing this great nation and also BJP must be reminded of the fact that none other than the prime minister himself have promised to the people of this great nation that come what may there will be zero tolerance against corruption,” he said.  

 Asserting the need to understand the responsibility that comes along with every mandate, Sangma said, “Whether you win the election or not but you have shared the votes of the people. Whether the percentage of votes is enough to convert into winning or otherwise but the fact is that people have repose a certain amount of confidence even if the number is not enough to make the party have that kind of number they expected but nevertheless their words were taken by the people, people have believed them that is why people have gone towards their party and therefore, the responsibility of that political party towards fulfilling their commitment lies.”