Funds to flow for township project
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government has informed that the Centre has agreed to sanction an amount of Rs 540.30 crore as fund for the first phase of the Rs 1028.30-crore for the Shillong Satellite township project.
Talking to reporters on Friday, Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “The Centre has agreed to release an amount of Rs 540.30 crore in the first phase. The total amount earmarked for development of the satellite township would be utilised over a period of five years.”
Replying to a query, Ampareen said the Government would utilise the fund earmarked for Phase I for construction of roads, drainage and sewerage system and also development of proper infrastructures for supply of water in the new Shillong township area.
“We cannot develop the satellite township without first putting in place all these necessary infrastructures,” she added.
The Urban Affairs Minister also informed that the State Government has already submitted a proposal to the Centre for allocation of funds for acquisition of more land for the new Shillong Township project.
Ampareen also informed that the Government was contemplating to develop similar satellite townships in Khanapara and Byrnihat.
“We would prepare the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to be submitted to the Centre for development of the satellite township in these two places,” she said.
“The Government is also considering several other projects to be taken up as part of the Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) under the JNNURM for the development of the seven towns in the State — Jowai, Tura, Nongpoh, Nongstoin, Williamnagar, Baghmara and Resulbelpara.
Ampareen mentioned that a housing project is also being considered for the benefit of the Economically Weaker Group (EWG) and Lower Income Group (LIG) under the Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme.
Meanwhile, the Minister also informed that the Centre has agreed to release the second instalment of fund for the JNNURM first phase which is slated to expire in 2012.
