SHILLONG, Jan 21: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Meghalaya on attaining 50 years of Statehood and hailed the state and its people for protecting nature and maintaining a balance between progress and eco-sustainability.
Addressing the gathering virtually from Delhi, Modi recalled his several visits to the state and said that people in Meghalaya have only strengthened their identity of coexisting with the nature. Meghalaya is becoming a centre of attraction due to its pristine waterfalls and clean environment. “Meghalaya has given a great message about the coexistence between development, conservation and eco-sustainability,” the PM said.
Referring to Kongthong, the whistling village, he said that the tradition there has promoted the idea of connecting with nature and added that Meghalaya is a land full of talented artists.
He said the Shillong Chamber Choir has given new identity to the culture of talent in Meghalaya and the youth of Meghalaya are earning laurels for the country in the field of sports.
Hailing Meghalaya for its reforms in the agriculture sector, Modi said Lakadong turmeric is now famous all over the world. The central government, in the last 7 years, has tried to expedite the development in the state with better roads, railways and aerial connectivity.
“We are working with the focus of giving new market to the organic produce from Meghalaya,” the Prime Minister said while adding that in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, the percentage of households connected with tap water was mere 1% in 2018 but now it has increased to 33%.
Stating that the state is taking gigantic steps in tourism and farming sectors, he advised the state to push for acceleration in other sectors as well.
“Meghalaya was among the first states which used drones to drop COVID vaccines and this is the picture of a changing Meghalaya and though the state has achieved a lot, it is yet to achieve much more,” he added.