TURA: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday visited Dura Kalakgre village in West Garo Hills and discussed measures to initiate welfare and development of the village and its adjoining area.
Dura Kalakgre village is the main source of water for the town of Tura.
The village is located on the foothills of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.
At Dura Kalakgre village, about 40 km from Tura, villagers of Oragitok, Chandigre, Tosekgre, Baladingre and Sakalgre had assembled to expressed their concerns and place before the Chief Minister issues pertaining to the development of the village and its adjoining areas on the foothills of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.
The main road to the village is under construction and the villagers had sought for his intervention for its early completion. They have also sought his intervention for improving connectivity between Dura Kalakgre and other neigbouring village to enhance connectivity for transportation of agriculture and horticulture produces.
The farmers of the area are mainly involved in orange plantation and squash plantation. The site being adjacent to Nokrek Reserve has potential for tourism and the people have also sought for development of basic amenities to cater to the need of visiting tourist.
Village headman of Dura Kalakgre, Tosekgre, Sakalgre and Baladingre submitted memorandum to Chief Minister to consider their demands. He has assured to take up the memorandum on an urgent basis.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma travelled in a gypsy to reach the village, where road is still under construction along with Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister Thomas A. Sangma and Government Chief Whip Marcuise Marak.
He informed that under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund of NABARD, the demand for connecting road to different villages would be initiated.
“The villages in the foothills of Nokrek are lush green and beautiful. By enhancing connectivity and creating basic amenities, we will be able to market the villages as eco-tourism destination in Garo Hills,” said Conrad K. Sangma.
He assured to consider the demand of enhancing water supply in the villages. “Dura Kalakgre and adjoining villages has been generously contributing for the supply of potable water to Tura town but the irony has been that no attention was given in the past for these villages. We will provide thrust to ensure that our government is able to repay back and ensure basic development in these village,” he added.