Guwahati: A Kaziranga Green Marathon, coinciding with World Environment Day on June 5, has been planned at the world famous national park by environmentalists and district administration.

Aaranyak, a society for biodiversity conservation in northeast India, which is collaborating with Bokakhat District Master Athletic Association, Assam Forest Department and Bokakhat Civil Administration to organise the run, said here on Wednesday the half Marathon from Bokakhat to Kohora will be held in the early morning of June 5.

TURA: The GSU, North Western Zone, has expressed its concern over the rate of deforestation through rampant felling of trees in Garo Hills by saw mill owners exporting wood to other states. The GSU through a communiqué stated that there is increased illegal installation and operation of saw mills in areas with dense forestation which is depleting forest cover at an alarming rate. These saw

SHILLONG: Biodiversity in the State is under threat due to deforestation, habitat destruction, mining and encroachment of forest areas, said Minister of Forests and Environment, Prestone Tynsong.

Tynsong was speaking during a function organized to mark the International Biodiversity Day at the U Soso Tham Audotorium here on Tuesday. This was the first that Meghalaya joined the Biodiversity Day celebrations.

SHILLONG: The State Government is preparing its written submission on the jinxed Umiam-Jorabat four-lane road project to be submitted before the Gauhati High Court, following a direction from the court.

The Gauhati High Court asked the State Government to file the written submission on the basis of a PIL filed by the landowners and an NGO in opposition to the recent decision of the State Government to construct the proposed four-lane road through the Umsning Bypass.

Shillong: With an aim to enhance fish seed production and impart knowledge to the farmers of the state on modern technology of aquaculture especially breeding technique, the Fisheries department has come up with a full- fledged research centre at Ri Bhoi which will be inaugurated on Thursday.

The first of its kind in the State, the Mawpun farm-cum-research centre at Ri Bhoi is expected to enhance the fish seed production with a target of about 25 lakh fries. It will be a demonstration centre to all fish farmers for breeding, feeding and the like.

JATAH (East Khasi Hills): The proposed Umngot Hydel Power Project has suffered a major setback with majority of the land owners having unanimously decided to oppose the project.

Land owners hailing from the nine villages who are going to lose their agricultural land on account of the proposed hydel power project have taken a unanimous decision to oppose the project during a public meeting held at Jatah village near Mawkynrew village in East Khasi Hills on Saturday.

JOWAI: Unscientific limestone mining in War-Jaintia, Amlarem Sub-Division in Jaintia Hills has become a cause of concern for residents of Nongtalang village and its surrounding villages who are facing an impending water scarcity in the area.

A huge quantity of limestone is exported to Bangladesh via Tamabil on a daily basis which has encouraged individuals in the area to start limestone mining. The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council has so far issued 21 numbers of NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for extraction of limestone, 25 NOCs to exporters and another 12 to transporters.

With rich forest and wildlife the Northeast is known as ‘Green Lungs of India’.

The region is one of the seven original biodiversity hotspots in the world, but most of its animals and birds are increasingly ending on food tables not only of the tribals who traditionally take such food but also of others including the large number of forces posted there.There are startling revelations that armed forces also indulge in hunting for food and sports in the border region.

SHILLONG: In a major embarrassment for Rymbai legislator Nehlang Lyngdoh (Congress) the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) have accused him of not adhering to safety norms at a coal mine owned by him located on the Ladrymbai-Rymbai road in Jaintia Hills.

The lack of safety measures in Lyngdoh’s coal mine came to light during a visit by the NCPCR team to the coal mine on Friday. As per the letter written to the Deputy Commissioner of Jaintia Hills, the Deputy Labour Commissioner and Divisional Mining officer who accompanied the team, said, “It was noticed that there are no safety measures, labour welfare amenities etc., which may endanger the lives of labourers working in the said mine.”

Inter State Truck Terminus also in pipeline

SHILLONG: In a move which could slightly ease the traffic congestion in the city, the Planning Commission “in principle” has approved the much awaited Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT). Informing this here recently, Transport Minister AT Mondal said that following the approval, the State Government has started the process of land acquisition to make the project a reality.