BAGHMARA: The silver jubilee celebrations of South Garo Hills district concluded on Monday at Baghmara Sports Complex, but the MLAs representing the district expressed concern over the slow pace of development here.
The celebrations were marked by colourful cultural presentations and sharing of thoughts on the past and present status of the district and how they want it to be in the future.
Baghmara Civil Sub-Division was upgraded to South Garo Hills District on June 18, 1992, and completed 25 years of its existence this year. A series of programmes was organised by the Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee that began on June 16 and a souvenir was also released to mark the occasion.
The function was attended by local MLA and Parliamentary Secretary in charge of Civil Defence, Samuel M. Sangma, and Parliamentary Secretary, C&RD, Rophul S. Marak, as the chief guest and guest of honour, respectively, along with Chokpot MLA and Chairperson, SDRC, Bluebell R. Sangma, Chairman, Baghmara Municipal Board, Surosh R. Marak, and other dignitaries.
Samuel, while highlighting the developments and changes that have taken place in the district since its inception, expressed his concern over the deplorable condition of NH-62, which is the main road connecting the district with the rest of the State.
He, however, expressed hope that the recent sanction for construction of this road with funding from JICA would lead to better connectivity and quicken the pace of development in the district. He also called upon the people of the district to work in coordination with the District administration to ensure development in every part of the district.
Echoing similar sentiments, Rophul expressed his dismay that the district has lagged behind in all areas of development even after 25 years of its existence and called for concerted efforts of all stakeholders to bring the district on a par with the rest of state, taking advantage of the rich natural resources for the benefit of the people.
The MLAs of the three constituencies in the district, including Bluebell R. Sangma, assured the gathering that they would work together in close coordination with the state government to bring all round development to the people of the district.
Surosh R. Marak also spoke on the occasion and spelt out the requirements for development of Baghmara town, including improvement of its roads and town beautification.
Earlier, South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Shella N. Marak, in her welcome address, called for all the people and government functionaries to work together to bring back the lost legacy of the district, which was once known for its flourishing trade and commerce and which had produced leaders like Capt. Williamson A. Sangma, the first Chief Minister of the State.
Members of the erstwhile District Demand Committee, like former Minister late Lotsing A. Sangma (posthumously), and others were also felicitated on the occasion.
