Raphael Warjri

Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), inaugurated and adopted the Solar Street Light Project for four villages of Mawjrong, Dympep, Laitsohpliah and Sohrarim in the East Khasi Hills District in Meghalaya. Located at a distance of 28 to 40 km from Shillong, on the picturesque highway to Sohra, the four villages are inhabited by people mainly belonging to the Khasi tribe.

Addressing the august gathering, Chairman CBIC, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal expressed satisfaction that CGST and Customs Zone have taken the novel initiative of providing solar street lights having low maintenance and various lighting adaptability features to conserve energy. Shri Agarwal also appreciated the efforts of the zone in implementing the project within 14 days at a cost of approx. Rs. 9 lakhs right from the conceptualisation stage.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Sohra Constituency Shri Gavin M. Mylliem said it is a matter of pride and happiness that

 Chairman CBIC visited Sohra and thanked CBIC for providing solar street lights to the four villages.

Headman, Shri JP Kharkongor conveyed gratitude on behalf of all residents, acknowledging the challenges faced by small villages with limited amenities. With a focus on agriculture and catering to tourist demand, these solar street lights are poised to enhance safety and convenience for both residents and visitors. The solar lights, placed at vital points identified by local authorities, are expected to benefit the residents in each village.

Being small villages with a population of about 600 people each, many amenities are still lacking and these people have to work hard for their living. The people are mainly involved in agriculture and eateries to cater to the tourist demand. The village is on route to the popular tourist destination of Cherrapunjee. They are well connected by road but there is a lack of street lighting on these stretches. 

The office of the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), Shillong under Guwahati Zone, as part of the Swachhta Action Plan under Special Campaign 3.0, has installed 49 solar street lights in these 4 villages at vitally needed points, as identified by the local village authorities. These solar lights would be highly beneficial for the inhabitants as well as help in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the area.

This initiative by the Department will go a long way in facilitating these villages and help the villagers in their daily life. They will provide a sustainable and effective solution for the embellishment of the villages helping to further boost tourism and welfare for the people. 

The Chief Commissioner of Guwahati Zone, Ms Bandhana Deori; Pr. ADG, DGHRD, Shri Rajeev Yadav; CCP (NER) Shri Mahfuzur Rahman; Shri R.K. Chandan, Commissioner, CGST, Guwahati and Dimapur; senior officers of CBIC and DRI, officers and staff from Customs, CGST & CX Guwahati Zone, officers of the Block administration, village authorities and people from these villages were also present in the programme.