Potential WHS appeals for release of grants

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar,  Aug 23: Representatives of potential world heritage sites-Ziro in Lower Subansiri and Thembang in West Kameng district have appealed the state government to release Rs 2 crore announced last year for carrying out preparatory ground works for the coveted tag.

Ziro and Thembang were figured amongst the 55 shortlisted sites of India by UNESCO as potential world heritage sites.

The preparatory ground works include awareness generation, minor physical renovation and dossier preparation, among others.

“More than a year has passed since announcement of the grant by the state government and we have met the concerned officials a number of times but the same is yet to be released so far, said zilla parishad member Thembang and also core committee member of Thembang WHS local consultative committee (LCC) Jam Tsering.

Tsering said the committee had met the chief secretary earlier, who in his capacity had directed the secretary art and culture to release the grant immediately.

Due to delay in releasing the grant, the enthusiasm and ground works for the coveted title have been greatly hampered.

“We once again appeal the state government to release the funds immediately to eble the Thembang WHS LCC to work more vigorously to achieve the coveted goal,” added Tsering.

“We have been vigorously involved in creating awareness of the subject matter to general masses for more than two years and carried out awarenes campaigns on number of important social occasions on voluntary basis,” said chairman of SMILE, Ziro, ni Tamang Jose.

Jose, who is also member of Ziro WHS local consultative committee said, “We were elated when the state government announced some fincial grant for the purpose and hoped to work with renewed energy and vigor but this undue delay has dampened not only our spirit but that of the LCC as well.”

Secretary art and culture, Dani Sulu informed that the file has been cleared for release of grants.

“Even the fince department has cleared the matter but it is learnt that there is no money with the treasury hence the delay,” Sulu said.