By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 28: In a major push to road infrastructure in Jaintia Hills, the foundation stone for four road and connectivity projects worth about Rs 488 crore in East and West Jaintia Hills was laid by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday.
The projects, covering a combined stretch of 108.24 kilometres, include the Rs 355-crore World Bank-funded upgradation of the Dkhiar–Sutnga–Saipung–Pala–Semmasi road under the Meghalaya Logistics and Connectivity Improvement Project (MLCIP). The project has been divided into two packages covering 58.1 kilometres. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the improvement and strengthening of the Dkhiar–Sutnga–Saipung–Moulsei–Haflong road funded under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund, besides another project covering the approach road to Chympe Waterfalls and improvement of the Sutnga–Khaddum road funded through the SIDBI Cluster Development Fund.
The chief minister has described the infrastructure push as a major step towards improving connectivity, boosting economic activity and opening up tourism and mining-linked opportunities in the region.
At Lumshyrmit village, Sangma also laid the foundation stone for the Rs 76.43-crore Shkemtalang (NH-206) to Lumshyrmit road project with a major bridge over the Myntdu river connecting NH-6 at Kongong. The project is being funded under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS).
Addressing the gathering at Latyrke village in East Jaintia Hills, the Chief Minister said the projects would significantly improve access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities while enhancing regional connectivity. He informed that tenders for the major road projects had already been floated and work was expected to begin within around 45 days.
The chief minister also hinted at more infrastructure and connectivity projects in the region, though he stressed the need for phased development and community participation in decision-making processes.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s economic growth trajectory, Sangma claimed that the state was among the fastest-growing economies and asserted that development initiatives were aimed at benefiting all sections and regions of the state. He acknowledged that economic growth often came with challenges and criticism but maintained that the government was working towards solutions that balanced development with public interest.
Coal mining, a politically sensitive and economically critical issue in East Jaintia Hills, also figured prominently in the chief minister’s speech. Sangma said the government continued to pursue efforts to lift the ban on coal mining and promote scientific mining practices in accordance with legal and environmental requirements.
He said negotiations with the Government of India were ongoing to ensure sustainable mining practices while balancing the interests of both large and small miners. He expressed hope that long-term solutions could be achieved for the mining sector without compromising environmental safeguards.
The chief minister further said the road projects would strengthen tourism access and improve connectivity for numerous villages in the region. He also announced government support for the construction of an indoor stadium at Latyrke village following requests from local residents.
At Lumshyrmit, Sangma said the Shkemtalang–Lumshyrmit road project would create new opportunities in tourism, agriculture and access to essential services. He also confirmed that the tender process had been completed and the contractor had already been onboarded for the project. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, local MLAs Santa Mary Shylla and Kyrmen Shylla, traditional heads, PWD officials and district administration officials attended the programme.
