Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launches PES pilot project

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday launched the Pilot Project on Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Approach for Restoration of Ganol Catchment worth Rs 1.20 crore and distributed cheques to the producer groups under the FOCUS.

According to a press release, the launch took place in the presence of Chief Adviser to the Chief Minister, Thomas A Sangma, Chief Whip Marcuise N Marak, Principal Secretary to the Government and CEO of MBDA P Sampath Kumar, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh, president of the Council of Nokmas Skylance G Momin, officials of line departments, the Nokmas and villagers of 20 villages of Ganol catchment area at Asanang village in Rongram C&RD Block.

The Chief Minister said on the occasion that so much of degradation of forests is taking place and most of the water bodies are drying up, as a result of which people are not getting sufficient water supply.

Informing that climate-change is occurring and, at the same time, means of livelihood are also decreasing, Sangma said that in this situation the Government had to come out with a programme that would be able to address all these issues and hence the programme for PES was made. In this project the Government will be not only telling the public about the different policies and different actions that they should do, but also helping them financially to be able to make up for the loss of livelihood or the challenges that they might face in the process. At the same time, it would be ensured that the Government works in collaboration with the community to build trust and faith and work together to find a solution to different environmental problems. He also said that the challenge is to balance livelihood and yet maintain the environment, which is the crux of the problem. That is why, he said, the Government has to come up with different innovative methods.

The Chief Minister also informed that the Government is planning to have 4,200 square kilometre catchment areas in the State and informed that the it will provide all necessary help and support to the people through various departments to improve their livelihood.

In his address, Thomas A Sangma, lauded the Chief Minister for the noble initiative and sought the cooperation and support of the people for the successful implementation of the pilot project.

Marcuise N Marak urged the villagers to take initiatives for preservation of catchment areas of the river Ganol and sought the cooperation and support of the people to restore the natural environment.

P Sampath Kumar delivered the key-note address and the Director of the Centre of Excellence, Dr S Ashutosh, deliberated on the framework of PES.

The Chief Minister also released the Inception Report and distributed cheques to 50 producer groups under the FOCUS programme.

Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh delivered the welcome address and the Additional Project Director of CLLMP, DB Gunanka, proposed the vote of thanks.

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