Resubelpara, May 30: A recent visit by the Leader of the Opposition and Songsak MLA, Dr. Mukul Sangma to the upcoming 100 bedded hospital in the village of Chidaret near Resubelpara in North Garo Hills (NGH) has set alarm bells ringing after reports of encroachment within the boundaries of the upcoming facility.
The visit came after the leader of the opposition was informed of the forceful takeover of parts of the hospital. As per sources, not only has the area been encroached into but a substantial amount of land may have already been taken over.
The matter came up for discussion during the visit made two days ago where Mukul stressed that the proposed 100-bed hospital project should be developed not merely as a healthcare facility but as a foundation for larger medical and educational institutions in the region. Mukul visited both the hospital as well as a much needed road between Dekachang – Rongrong – Anogre that has been the bane for local residents for over half a century.
Addressing members of the Doba, Apal, Dharam, Thapa, Rongrong, Kantolguri and Raja Apal area development committees, Dr Sangma said infrastructure created by the government must always be leveraged to amplify its long-term potential and public utility. He said hospitals with sufficient infrastructure can gradually be integrated with nursing colleges, paramedical institutions and even medical colleges.
Referring to the establishment of the Tura Medical College, Dr Sangma stated that the government had successfully leveraged on existing hospital into a teaching medical institution and similar opportunities exist for the proposed hospital project as well.
He informed that the land earmarked for the project was not acquired through the conventional process of government acquisition but was generously donated by the local Nokma and clan owning the A’king land. According to him, nearly 300 bighas of land, equivalent to around 100 acres, were gifted for the project after discussions with the community.
Highlighting the importance of connectivity in the region, Dr Sangma strongly advocated for prioritisation of the RIDF road connecting Resu with Anogre. He recalled the disruption of NH-51 in 2014 which had severely affected communication and transportation for a prolonged period, underscoring the importance of alternative routes.
He stated that the road is strategically significant as it connects the southern and western parts of the state with Assam and also supports access to healthcare, educational institutions, markets and livelihood opportunities. He added that these are among the major parameters considered under World Bank-funded road projects and PMGSY schemes.
Dr Sangma further observed that the Resu, Dekachang, Rongrong and Anogre belt possessed immense tourism potential due to its scenic landscapes, waterfalls, biodiversity and rich cultural and mythological significance. He said development of connectivity infrastructure could help transform the area into an important tourism circuit capable of generating economic activities and employment opportunities.
He also pointed out that the region serves as an important agricultural and horticultural catchment area and holds strategic significance from the perspective of law enforcement and security, especially considering the challenges faced during periods of militancy in the past.
The Leader of Opposition said members of the Area Development Committees have been consistently pursuing the hospital project on behalf of the people and reiterated the public demand for early commissioning of the facility. He noted that the government had earlier indicated that the hospital would be commissioned last year.
Stating that the infrastructure and staff quarters are substantially ready, Dr Sangma urged the government to expedite commissioning of the hospital and implement additional investment proposals linked to the project without further delay.
The hospital, as per reports, was supposed to be commissioned last year but has seen delays.
