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.

ALSO READ: Half of Meghalaya’s rural households now with tap water connections

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.”

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 9: BJP Mahila Morcha State President Judy Surong has expressed her gratitude to all the members of the Mahila BJP for working tirelessly in the just concluded Assembly elections.

 “I thank the central leadership, State Prabhari Dr M. Chuba Ao, Election In-charge Dr Sambit, Rituraj Sinha, BJP Media Convener Assam Rupam Goswami and Meghalaya In-charge Aienla Jamir for actively involving the Mahila Morcha in every sphere of the campaign, in terms of providing resources which enabled us to reach out to women of the state to create an awareness about how central schemes have enriched and eased their lives,” she said in a statement.