DLIC meeting of MEPRF held

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 10, 2021

The District Level Implementing Committee meeting of Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) for West Garo Hills was held today at the Office Chamber of the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Tura to discuss issues with regard to those areas affected by coal mining in the district.

Discussing during the meeting, the Divisional Forest Officer and Member Secretary, West and South West Garo Hills (Territorial) Division, Tura Sachin Gavade informed the members that the committee needs to identify those areas affected by coal mining in the district and prepare action plan accordingly in order to start restoration works of the coal mines if any in the district. He also informed that the funds available through MEPRF should be utilized only for projects and for the purpose of reclamation of the abandoned coal mines and rehabilitate people who have been affected due to coal mining activities.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner cum Chairperson of DLEC, Tura Ram Singh stated that as such there are no coal mines in West Garo Hills District however, if there is presence of any abandoned and inactive coal mines in the district will be identified and due restoration activities would be provided so that there is no threat of natural calamities later on. Further, he also directed the committee to create awareness among the people to take up other sustainable livelihood activities for their living instead of opting for mining activities since unscientific mining activities causes more harm to the environment and life of the people as a whole.

Further, the DTFI (District Task force Immunization) meeting was also held at DRDA Conference Hall, Tura today afternoon in view of the Covid Vaccination campaign being held in the district. As informed by the DMCHO, Tura Dr Ivonne M Sangma during the meeting, the first phase vaccination for medical officers and staff are almost complete and the district is about to start with the second phase of vaccination for police and para-military forces in the district and the session sites will have to be identified accordingly.