BADO Sohra
The Border Areas Development Department came into being in Meghalaya after the partition of India and East Pakistan presently Bangladesh. Its main aims and objective is to help and develop the people residing in the border areas. i.e people living near the International Boundary with Bangladesh.
The programme taken up by the Border Areas Development Department is the Border Areas Development Programme (BADP) sponsored under Special Central Assistance (SCA) known as BADP Schemes. The main objective for the implementation of these schemes is related way back to the partition of India, people living in the villages near theborder had a prosperous economy as their produce found ready market in areas presently in Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan. However, after the partition of the country in 1947 the people living in the Border Areas of the state resulted in economic hardship due to the stoppage of trade and communication with Bangladesh. So in order to make a better living for the suffering people in these areas and to regain the once prosperous economic life, special development schemes were taken up in these areas in addition to the normal State Plan Schemes. This special scheme is known as Border Areas Development Programme.
These schemes are implemented only in the notified Border Villages. There are three criteria for a village to be classified as a Border Village. Viz. (a) It should be within the radius of 10km crow fly from the International Border Line with Bangladesh. (b) Degree of economic backwardness. (c) Dependence upon the traditional trade relation with those areas which now fall in Bangladesh.
Schemes which can be taken up under BADP:- (i) Construction of footpath (ii) footbridges (iii) link road (iv) Playgrounds (v) Community Hall (vi) School Building (vii) Fishery Ponds (viii) Godown (ix) Ropeways (x) Beautification of Tourist spots (xi) Water supply (xii) construction of beetlenut soaking ponds etc.
Following are some of the projects taken up within the Jurisdiction of Sohra Border Block:
Rope way at Mawsaw village (Sohbar) constructed under BADP 2006-07. Before people had to carry head load of their goods especially cash crop products and had to pay Rs.100/- per quintal. But now this problem is solved when this ropeway is constructed.
Ropeway to Nongpriang Village constructed under BADP 2006-07. Before the villagers had to carry head load of their goods especially cash crop and bamboo products and had to pay Rs.100/- per quintal. The problem is solved when this ropeway is constructed.
Suspension footbridge at Shella River constructed under BADP 2003-04 and 2006-07.Previously villagers use to cross the river by boat @ Rs.5/- per head with an extra payment for their goods. Now the villagers can cross through this bridge free of cost.
Construction of Fishery pond at Wahkaliar for Iaisuklang SHG under BADP 2007-08. Now thispond is producing around 300kg of fishes annually and the income generating activities of this group approximately is Rs.30,000/- annually.
Construction of Poultry and Piggery Farm for Temsem and Swett Farming Society at Ichamati under BADP 2007-08. Moreover, the present income generating activities of this particular group is approximately Rs.30,000/- annually.
Construction of C.C. Footpath from Lumsohphie upto the Double Decker (Living Root Bridge)under BADP 2006-07. Before it was very difficult for the villagers especially tourists to commute especially during the night. But now they can travel with ease.
St. Dominic Savio U.P. School Building Laitkynsew, constructed under BADP 2007-08. Previously the school accommodated only 60 students but now it can accommodate more than 140 students.
Hall and Office of the Laitkynsew Pres. UP School, Laitkynsew renovated under BADP 2007-08. Earlier the Hall and the School office could not be used, especially during rainy season but now they run smoothly.
RC LP School Sohlap under Shella Model Village constructed under BADP 2006-07. Previously the school accommodated only 80 students but now it can accommodate more than 150 students.
Water Reservoir at Saikarap village, constructed under Shella Model village Schemes 2006-07. Scarcity of water has been removed after completion of the project.
Godown at Ichamati Hat, constructed under BADP-Shella Model Village Schemes 2006-07. Peoples could store their goods for selling at Ichamati Hat.
The Implementation of Border Areas Development Programme (BADP) under this Border Block is meeting the aspiration and needs of the people in general and especially for those people living in the Border Areas in particular. In future, we are looking forward that all developmental activities targeted by the Department will really address the local requirements for the actual needs of the people and the community.