SHILLONG, Sep 24: “We cannot bring changes only by developing Shillong and Tura or other towns; development should reach the remotest areas of the state,” contended Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Saturday, as he laid the foundation stone for two projects in South Garo Hills.
According to a statement, the chief minister, during his visit, laid the foundation for a road from 12 Mile along the Tura Dalu route to Chokpot, a total length of 35 km for strengthening, widening and blacktopping. He also laid the foundation for the construction of a new office building of Chokpot Subdivision in South Garo Hills.
Laying foundation for both the projects, the chief minister said, “I am happy to fulfil the long-pending demands of the people of Chokpot. It is a commitment that this government has for the people of the state.”
It is pertinent to note that whilst the state government has sanctioned close to Rs 50 crore for the construction of the new road, a total of Rs 4 crore has been sanctioned for the new SDO building.
“We are working with the commitment to make Meghalaya one of the top 10 states in the next 10 years, and through various initiatives and efforts, the state has made rapid strides in many of the developmental indexes,” the chief minister said, reiterating the government’s commitment in ensuring overall progress of the state.
Maintaining that no region of Meghalaya is left behind in its journey towards progress and prosperity, the chief minister said, “We cannot bring changes only by developing Shillong and Tura or other town; development should reach the remotest areas of the state. Even the people living in the remotest areas should have access to development they deserve.”
Stating that 80 per cent of Meghalaya’s population resides in rural areas, the chief minister said, “If the state has to progress, we have to bring inclusive development on all fronts. All areas of the state should be put on the same level of importance and have its fair share in the development initiatives of the government.”
Stating that Chokpot has remained neglected for the last 50 years, he said, “Through different initiatives and welfare schemes, we are reaching out to nook and corners of the state.”
With regard to the road project, the chief minister informed that it will be an intermediate lane and will be constructed without any compromise. “It will be comparable to the best highways in the state,” he added.
On the construction of the new SDO office, he said, “The new building will facilitate better delivery of services to the people”, adding, “New building for Chokpot Block has also been sanctioned by the government.”
