Meghalaya NPP legislator Shylla inspects projects in Sutnga – Saipung

Staff Reporter

Shillong, May 9: NPP legislator from Sutnga-Saipung Santa Mary Shylla conducted an inspection on the progress of the ongoing projects that include the border haat at Huroi village and the construction of the Sonapur-Borghat road under the NERSDS connecting Shymplong, Borsara, Lejri, Lahalein, Huroi and Hingaria village.

The two projects were sanctioned by the government last year and the foundation stone was laid by deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong.

The MLA was accompanied by officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s Officer, East Jaintia Hills District Commerce & Industries Centre, PWD(R) NEC Division Khliehriat, concerned contractor and JAC Adviser Kynjaimon Amse.

After the inspection, Shylla has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the two projects and hopes that the work will be completed within a fixed span of time. Once completed, it will be a great boon for the people particularly the road given the fact that the people have never got good roads.

The purpose of the visit is to reassure the border population that the government is with them and that the two projects are not just an election stunt as alleged by some people.

The MLA also interacted with the village elders and people and assured all possible cooperation and also to take up the issue of electricity and mobile tower connectivity with the government.

Shylla understands the problem of the border population with regard to the road issue but given the fact that the road is under construction some kind of problem is bound to happen.

She however requested the people to be patient and cooperate with the contractor for speedy completion of the road project because it’s a just matter of time that the road will be completed, then the problem would be resolved completely.

The MLA has also directed the PWD department and the contractor to assist the people in clearing the road in case of blockage during the rainy season. The MLA has also requested the concerned department to conduct a periodic review of the progress of the two projects.

The MLA also interacted with the BSF official and also the members of the KSU Huroi unit. MLA has assured to take up the concern of the KSU with the higher authorities.

Meghalaya High Court orders CISF deployment to check illegal coal transport

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 13: The Meghalaya High Court has ordered deployment of 10 companies of central industrial security force (CISF) to check illegal transportation of coal.

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This was after the state had indicated that a sum of Rs 316 crore would be required for construction of quarters and barracks if 100 companies of CRPF are to be deployed in the state.

In its order, the full bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee said, “Instead, it appears to be fair and reasonable to this Court to deploy 10 companies, not of CRPF but of Central Industrial Security Force. That is because, as the Central government duly points out, the CRPF functions under the command of the State police whereas CISF can function independently.”

On a query from the Court, it was submitted on behalf of the Central government that CISF would be able to handle the aspect of checking goods vehicles.

“Considering the total area in the State and that some of the remote pockets do not have roads or even the menace of illegal coal mining and its transportation, 10 companies of CISF should be enough to check the vehicles and completely arrest the illegal transportation of coal,” the Court said.

“While CISF is engaged in checking the vehicles, there is no doubt that it would also check for contraband and ensure that the goods vehicles conform to the weight limits for plying on the State and national highways in Meghalaya,” it added.

The Court also directed Dr Mozika to ascertain the logistics and formalities for 10 companies of CISF to be deployed for the purpose of checking the illegal transportation of coal in the State.

“The process may not last several years as the State proposes to open up scientific mining and grant licenses therefore in accordance with law which may make illegal coal mining an unattractive proposition thereafter,” it said.

Justice Katakey has filed an 11th interim report which the State and the Central government should consider.

The Court further said it was also proposed that upon the 10 CISF companies being made available for the indicated purpose, the key areas which need to be manned and guarded would be decided in consultation with Justice Katakey.

“It is made clear that the deployment of CISF will be on payment basis, subject to negotiation between the State and the Centre,” it stated.

Earlier, the State has prepared a blueprint for the deployment of the Central Reserve Police Force in the State to check the illegal mining of coal and its transportation.

The State’s plan is rather grandiose as it seeks deployment of 100 companies in the eastern range and 60 companies in the western range where one company consists of 135 personnel.

Though the State has indicated in great detail the number of companies to be deployed in the 12 districts, including bifurcating the companies which would be involved in checking vehicles and others which would check the mining activities, the cost implication, even on a short-term, temporary basis, may make it unfeasible.

Indeed, only on account of construction of quarters and barracks, the State has indicated a sum of Rs 316 crore and for requisitioning vehicles an annual expenditure in excess of Rs 58 crore.

At any rate, even if the infrastructure constructed may be put to use by the State upon the CRPF no longer being required, it would take a considerable period to complete the construction and it would be a Herculean task to house 160 companies on a temporary basis.

Indeed, the State’s coal reserves may be exhausted by the time the State’s grand design is put in place.

The next hearing will be held on March 20.