COVID-19: An Appeal from DC South West Khasi Hills District

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 9, 2020

On the 7th of June, 2020 at around 4pm, there was an incident occurring along the Mawkyrwat-Ranikor Road which has tarnished the image of the district, in which unidentified miscreants carried out an unprovoked assault on an Engineer of the NHIDCL. The said engineer is overseeing the road construction project from Ranikor-Maheshkhola-Baghmara and had completed all formalities as per government orders when on his way to his workplace at Nongjri. The Office of the Deputy Commissioner unequivocally condemns such acts of meaningless violence.

This incident has disturbed many right-thinking citizens of the district. Critical infrastructure projects like road construction are a lifeline for rural areas and a prerequisite for all development works. If skilled professionals engaged in such works are obstructed in such a manner and prevented from carrying out their duties, it will severely affect the progress of major government projects which are intended to connect far-flung areas and uplift the economic condition of the people as a whole. Hence this office fervently appeals to village headmen, communities and all sections of the society to be united in opposing such acts and to be vigilant against anti-social elements.

It may also be informed that the district is strictly adhering to prescribed protocols for entry of workers from outside the state as per Notification by Health & Family Welfare Department No. Health 140/2020/4 Dt. 2nd June, 2020, which permits highly skilled workers and technical professionals whose services are required for ongoing works to enter the state. Such workers will comply to all conditions set by the Government such as pre-registration, mandatory testing paid quarantine and other requirements under the close supervision of the district administration.

Further, the Deputy Commissioner had earlier this month written to the NHIDCL with a request that in view of the lockdown and departure of many inter-state migrant labourers from the worksite, wherever possible, they will employ and provide training to local persons from within the district or state in order to help give gainful employment to unemployed youth.

Lastly, it is an earnest appeal from this office that during this time of a global pandemic where all our efforts are aligned against a common enemy- an invisible virus, let us remember to treat all persons with kindness and compassion, remembering our own children, friends and fellow citizens of the state who are still far away from their homes, and praying for their well-being and comfort as well.

Let us work together in the interest of public health and for a safe and peaceful district.