It was a significant and productive day for Meghalaya as Chief Minister Conrad Sangma took multiple significant steps towards development of this Northeastern State. These included launch of MegARISE for Tura, CM Connect in Tura, cheque distribution, inauguration of Najing Bazar Urban Complex or the Shopping Infrastructure and laying of foundation for the Bulk Water Supply to Adjoining Rural Villages of Tura Town Project.
Aiming for environmental protection, the ‘MegARISE’ initiative for Tura was launched in collaboration with German Development Bank KfW. This project focuses on safeguarding vulnerable catchment areas, with a special emphasis on the Ganol catchment in the West Garo Hills district. It is envisioned as a pre-emptive investment to strengthen natural resource-dependent communities against the impacts of climate change. Through the ‘MegARISE’ initiative, sustainable practices will be implemented, and community participation will be encouraged to restore and safeguard the ecological balance of the region.
Under the CM Connect in Tura initiative, the government launched Helpline 1971, through which residents can reach out to voice concerns and grievances, enquire about multiple schemes and enrich the government with their suggestions. This will ensure accountability of the government machinery and ensure efficiency in all fronts.
CM Sangma’s commitment to environmental conservation was further demonstrated by the distribution of cheques totalling ₹65.36 lakh to communities and individuals under the Payment for Ecosystem Services pilot project for their restoration and protection efforts of the Ganol Catchment.
As part of the comprehensive conservation strategy across the Garo Hills region, the CM disbursed additional cheques worth ₹87.77 lakh under the ‘Green Meghalaya’ initiative.
Besides, the Meghalaya Government inaugurated the Najing Bazar Urban Complex, a vital shopping infrastructure for rural migratory vendors, along with parking facilities in Tura. Although the project commenced in 2009, it was left unfinished until its resumption in 2020. Completing this project is a significant milestone in the ongoing infrastructure development initiatives for Tura.
Furthermore, the Sangma Government laid the foundation for the Bulk Water Supply to Adjoining Rural Villages of Tura Town Project, funded under NESIDS. This project, a river pumping scheme sourced from River Ganol, will provide sufficient water supply to villages within the Rongram, Rerapara, and Gambegre development blocks of the West and South West Garo Hills districts.
These villages currently rely on the Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme. Implementing this project will alleviate the burden on TWSS and ensure adequate water supply to the urban areas of Tura.
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