Wide-ranging development initiatives for Tura unveiled
From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 28: To address rising concerns over substance abuse, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has announced multiple interventions, including the establishment of rehabilitation centres in every district within the next three to six months.
The chief minister outlined these plans on Friday while unveiling a wide-ranging development agenda during the ‘Tura Beautification, Heal the World’ programme at the district auditorium, Tura.
Describing drugs as a “big menace”, Conrad also proposed other anti-drug measures including expansion of CCTV coverage and street lighting across localities, as well as formation of community-based monitoring groups modelled on Village Defence Parties (VDPs) to ensure safer neighbourhoods and better support systems for the youths.
Beyond social welfare, the event signalled one of the largest coordinated urban transformation efforts for Tura town in recent years.
The initiatives span across hospitality, tourism, green mobility, anti-drug interventions and community-driven beautification, aligning with preparations for the upcoming National Games 2027.
Hilton group gets Rs 145 cr 5-star hotel project in GH
A major highlight of the programme was the announcement that the Hilton Group has been awarded the tender to construct Tura’s first-ever five-star hotel, valued at Rs 145 crore, in collaboration with the Park Hotel brand. The project is scheduled to be completed within 36 months and is expected to elevate the region’s hospitality standards while strengthening tourism potential.
National Games: Homestay scheme to create 600+ rooms
With Tura set to host 6-7 disciplines of the National Games, the chief minister informed that the town will require around 600 rooms to accommodate athletes and officials.
Instead of constructing a temporary Games village, the government will roll out an enhanced homestay initiative offering: 10-bed units for applicants, 60% government subsidy, mandatory adherence to National Games accommodation standards, post-Games utilisation to support the region’s tourism economy.
The chief minister directed the area development committee to prioritise 30-35 new applicants, adding that 350 additional rooms will be facilitated under the scheme.
Green mobility vision: EV autos and buses for Tura
In a move towards sustainable urban transport, the Chief Minister announced plans to introduce electric autos and buses as part of Tura’s public transport network. The government will hold consultations with auto-rickshaw associations to explore options for exchanging old petrol-run autos with electric vehicles, aiming to make Tura’s mobility sector completely green before the National Games.
Children’s parks and senior walking zones
The chief minister also urged landowners and local communities to collaborate with the government in creating children’s parks, open recreational spaces, and walking areas for senior citizens. He assured that wherever communities provide land, the government will build the required facilities and hand them over to the area development committee for maintenance.
Rs 38 lakh for beautification and civic improvement
Under the ongoing beautification campaign for Tura, the chief minister handed over Rs 38 lakh to the area development committee for a series of civic enhancement works, including cleanliness and sanitation drives, building painting initiatives, dustbin installation and locality-level beautification efforts.
He also proposed a uniform colour scheme for buildings across Tura. As part of the ‘Paint My City’ initiative, a pilot locality will be selected where government-supplied paint will be used to create a cohesive and vibrant urban aesthetic ahead of the National Games.
A long-term vision for a modern and green Tura
Stating that the development initiatives extend far beyond the National Games, Conrad noted that these projects reflect a long-term vision to transform Tura into a model town with improved infrastructure, modern amenities and enhanced quality of life for its residents.
The programme also saw participation from officials, community leaders and representatives from various local bodies, who expressed support for the government’s efforts to strengthen civic engagement and accelerate Tura’s transformation.
