June 9, 2004

Shillong, June 9, 2004: The District-level Disaster Management Committee for West Garo Hills was constituted on June 3, 2004 at a meeting held at the Circuit House, Tura in connection with the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Programme. It is a UNDP sponsored programme to reduce vulnerability of the communities to natural disasters, with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs as the Nodal Agency, executing the programme.

The main objective of this community participatory programme is to generate awareness among the people and develop disaster preparedness and mitigation plan for sustainable reduction in natural disaster risk in the hazard prone areas. The programme has been divided into two phases over a period of six years and Meghalaya, being a disaster prone State, has been included in the second phase.

The Committee is to be headed by the Deputy Commissioner as its Chairman, while the Project Director, DRDA and PDO is the Convener. The members include the Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, the District Medical and Health Officer, DIG Sector Headquarter BSF and Commandant, CRPF, besides the officers of all the line departments. Representatives of NGOs such as AYCO, Rotary Club, Mothers’ union, ADRA and TASCA are also included as members of the Committee. Separate Disaster Management Team was also formed at the same time which will include the NCC, Scouts and Guides and volunteers of different NGOs.

Soon after the committee was constituted, the meeting discussed working plan for the programme. At the first step, preparation of the road map will be done and training on special skills for disaster management would be given to the team members. Later, Mrs. Sangma who is the District Project Officer appealed to all the Committee to give their full support and necessary suggestions for smooth implementation of the programme in the district.

Shillong, June 9, 2004: With a view to prevent any disruption to the session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, which will commence from June 11, 2004, the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District has issued an order under Section 144 Cr. P.C, prohibiting holding of any demonstrations/rally/taking out of procession, shouting of slogans, carrying of any lethal weapons and assembly of five or more persons within the 150 meters radius of the State Central Library, which is the temporary Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Shillong.

This order shall come into immediate effect and shall remain in force until further orders.