No commercial plantation activities, deforestation and illegal mining 50 m from streams

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 9, 2022

In view of drinking water crisis being faced in numerous villages including Tura despite being rain surplus area, mainly due to deforestation, commercial plantation and illegal commercial sand/stone mining activities in water catchment area, a multi stakeholder meeting was convened by the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills District on Wednesday.

The meeting decided that no commercial plantation activities, deforestation and illegal mining 50m from both sides of streams in water catchment area in every village especially major rivers and streams in the District.

A meeting of Nokmas / VECs, Church Leaders and other stakeholders at every block regarding followup and resolution to protect catchment areas.

Raising of Nurseries, massive plantation of water recharging species such as Phrap, Bolchim, Bolkasin etc by VECs and other stakeholders in all water catchment areas and Hill Tops coming season.

Alternative livelihood activities such as piggery, Poultry, Dairy activities by all the households in the villages which has huge demand and more income per area of land to be done by Veterinary Department proactively.

The efforts of Church Leaders who carried out massive plantation activities during last season were appreciated.

There are lot of villages which are doing wonderful work in protecting reserve forest and managing water catchment areas. The individual Nokmas efforts will be highlighted in the Block level meetings and suitably rewarded.

The Deputy Commissioner informed that the Government has taken the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide Tap water connections to every household by Dec 2022.