PURUL, SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 (DIPR): Shri Thounaojam Shyamkumar, Minister for Horticulture and Soil Conservation attended a two-day Autumn Shower – a mega flower show at Daphao, Purul, Senapati district. The flower show held with the theme “Home to Cosmos” was organised by Eco-Tourism Me, (ETM) a non-governmental organisation. The flower show sponsored by Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, came to an end today, which began on 29th September, 2017.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the inaugural function, Minister Th. Shyamkumar said Purul is a peaceful place which has produced various distinguished persons of the State. He said that he was determined to even walk on foot till Purul as he encountered a landslide while coming to the place. The natural scenic beauty of the place captivates a person to such an extent that the person forgets his worries and tiredness and brings peace and calm.
Lauding the villagers of promoting floriculture, he promised to fulfill most of the demands submitted by the Eco-Tourism Me (ETM). The demands include constructions of hi-tech green house (5 numbers), rural market for floriculture, pack houses for saplings (5 numbers), green house (5 numbers), shade net (10), vermicompost (5) and high yielding varieties of flowers.
Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister announced that his department will soon sanction Rs 12 lakh for the demand of construction of a rural market (market shed) for floriculture, Rs 6 lakh will be given as the first instalment. Stating that the demand for construction of hi-tech green house depends on stock availability, he agreed for the construction of pack houses for saplings.
For the demand of construction of the green house, he said his department will sanction some and others would take time. He also agreed to provide vermicompost, saying that it very necessary. Stating that he would consult with Chief Minister for the construction of guest house for Purul Union, Th. Shyamkumar said that Forest Department too can plan for the construction of guest house for the department officials.
He said the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department will explore ways to improve the economy of the locals. He said the villagers will be encouraged to plant flowers such as Lilium, Gladiolus, Alstreomeria, Orchid which are climatically best suitable to the area, located 19 kms from Maram.
He said the Forest Department will soon provide cooking gas free of cost to the villagers of Purul as a step to stop cutting of trees. Lauding the villagers for showing keen interest to save the environment, he said the cooking gas will be given under the scheme of his department, he added.
Th. Shyamkumar further said the Forest Department will involve the villagers in planting and maintaining the tress in order to increase the forest cover. He opined that without involving the villagers nothing will be successful.
Kh. Siile Anthony, Director (HRD&E), NEC, Shillong, former MLA PS Henry Paotei, Rev. Father Thaikho Simon, officials of Horticulture Department and locals attended the function. 50 flower stalls were displayed for the exhibition. Entertainment programmes enthralled the crowd. (DIPR)
