Shillong< Aug 15′: The Jaiñtia National Council Nongkhlieh Circle under the leadership of its president Nikki Sutnga submitted a memorandum to MLA Santa Mary Shylla on Monday on lopsided development of Elaka Nongkhlieh.
The organisation said after the creation of East Jaintia Hills district in 2012, the residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh were hopeful of its development in various fields like health, education and employment.
“East Jaintia Hills is one of the most resource-rich districts of Meghalaya and it accounts for a substantial contribution to the state’s GDP. However, it is sad to state that EJH has been sidelined and not given its just share of development by the government”, the JNC said.
The JNC Nongkhlieh circle, after consultation with the the people of the Elaka, has placed a list of demands for the immediate solution.
The demands of the pressure group
Moolasngi to Daistong road:- The rural and remote parts of Elaka Nongkhlieh face difficulties due to the lack of basic amenities like the roads, water supply, health facilities etc. The villages of Elaka get cut off from the rest of the district during rainy season due to dilapidated road and this causes loss to the villagers as almost 90% depends on farming. “The Moolasngi to Lelad road is the main road for the residents as it is the only road that connects them, be it in business, schooling, etc. Therefore it is requested that proper roads be constructed to ensure the safety and for the great relief of the public as roads are the backbone of people in terms of transportation”, he said.
PHC:-Every year, the state and central governments spend crores to provide better healthcare facilities in villages and far-flung areas to ensure health care facility reaches them.
The government should set up a Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Nongkhlieh Elaka which is a long pending demand of the residents, the group said.
Veterinary dispensary:- The residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh are keen to get a Veterinary Dispensary at the Elaka which will be beneficial to the area in terms of better treatment facilities to the animals.
“When it comes to medical facilities to the injured animals of the farmers perhaps this would be one of the main aspects being left out and given least priority by the successive governments”, the JNC added.
Demands of Sumer circle
The Jaiñtia National Council- Sumer Circle under the leadership of Sakilan Chyrmang ( president ) submitted a memorandum to Shylla for the construction of a road from Samasi to Pala.
The organisation in its memorandum said the local residents are facing difficulties in transportation due to bad roads.
“The main roads and the sub-roads connecting to our area are in very poor condition. There are chances of road accidents every day. Many accidents leading to injuries have already happened on these roads in the past” said Sakilan.
“There is no proper drainage system. Children are facing hardships while going to schools and the elderly too face the fear of falling down on damaged portions of the roads.The four wheelers especially the ambulances find it difficulty to reach on time due to bad roads. There is an urgent need to construct the road from Samasi to Pala”, the JNC added.
