SHILLONG : The Wahkaji-Mawnore-Umdohlun Block Demand Committee, South West Khasi Hills District (SWKHD), on Wednesday met Community & Rural Development Minister Bah Sohthenes Sohtun, MLA of Jirang Constituency, to press for the creation of a new C&RD Block for the benefit of the people residing in the region.
The delegation, led by Committee President Bah Prosperly Kharbani and Secretary Bah Christopher Lyngdoh, represented the residents of four G.S Circles namely Warsanlyngdoh G.S Circle, Phlangdiloin G.S Circle, Umdohlun G.S Circle and Wahkaji G.S Circle.
Speaking to the media, Committee spokesperson Bah Sandy Myrthong said the delegation highlighted the numerous difficulties faced by residents of the four G.S Circles in accessing government services through the existing Mawkyrwat C&RD Block and Ranikor C&RD Block.
He pointed out that many villages are located at considerable distances from the two Blocks, with some areas situated more than 100 kilometres away. As a result, residents are often forced to spend significant time and resources to complete official work and avail government services.
According to the committee, people from remote villages sometimes require up to three days to travel and complete their work at the Block offices due to poor connectivity and long distances.
The committee urged the minister to consider establishing a new C&RD Block in the Wahkaji-Mawnore-Umdohlun area to improve administrative accessibility, facilitate development activities, and ensure that government services reach the people more efficiently.
The proposed new Block, the committee said, would greatly benefit thousands of residents living across the four G.S Circles and help address long-standing administrative challenges faced by the region.