A public rally was held today against the proposed creation of a new industrial estate in Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi district in place of the Conservation of Training Institute (CTI) of the Soil & Water Conservation Department.
Speakers at the rally warned if the government proceeds with the proposed plan, the people will respond with equal resolve. They also made it clear that the government would bear full responsibility for any adverse outcomes resulting from such decisions.
Residents from three villages of Amphanggre, Matchokggre and Umpher took part in the rally along with various pressure groups like the Khasi Students Union, Ri Bhoi Youth Federation, Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People, Garo Students Union as well as the Byrnihat Citizens Forum, Byrnihat Women Society and students.
Leaders of the three villages and the pressure groups have also decided to meet the chief minister Conrad K. Sangma to seek cancellation of the plan to convert CTI into an industrial estate.
It may be mentioned that the government plans to convert 134 acres of the conservation land that belonged to the Social and Water Conservation and Agriculture Departments into an industrial estate to pave the way for its 10 billion dollar economy road map.
