Shillong, May 5: Meghalaya Government is actively engaging with the Brahmaputra River Board (BRB) to ensure the conservation and protection of the Simsang River Basin.
“We have already discussed this issue at the platform of the Brahmaputra River Board. They had a few queries, which the department will be responding to shortly,” informed Public Health Engineering (PHE) Minister Marcuise N. Marak.
Minister Marak also shared that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Simsang River Basin will soon be submitted to the BRB for consideration. In the meantime, various initiatives at the local level are ongoing.
Highlighting government efforts, he said, “I had a sensitization program in Williamnagar regarding the protection of the Simsang River Basin and other river basins.”
Focus on Sustainable Practices
The government is working closely with local Nokmas—traditional village heads—whose communities are located near the river basin. The objective is to raise awareness about the need to reduce jhum cultivation, a traditional but ecologically taxing farming method.
The minister assured that alternative livelihood options would be introduced, with active involvement from local stakeholders.
He also called on the communities to fully cooperate with the government’s conservation efforts, particularly in curbing large-scale jhum cultivation.
Apart from engaging with community leaders, the department is also in regular touch with environmental activists to ensure the preservation of the Simsang River and its vital catchment areas.
The Simsang River is the longest river in the Garo Hills. It originates in West Garo Hills and flows through East Garo Hills before reaching South Garo Hills.
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