Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has reiterated the government’s dedication to inclusive and balanced development in all regions of Meghalaya, particularly emphasizing the sustained attention and focused interventions in South Garo Hills over the past seven years. During his address on various development initiatives in the district, he reflected on his multiple visits to Baghmara and South Garo Hills, where he personally reviewed progress and initiated key development projects aimed at addressing historical deficiencies in infrastructure and public services.
Sangma highlighted that South Garo Hills had operated for over 23 years without a dedicated Deputy Commissioner’s office, being housed in a sub-division office, which illustrates years of governmental neglect. He noted that under the current MDA Government, steps are being taken to resolve this, with the construction of a new DC office building now underway. The Chief Minister acknowledged that while there are challenges with staff quarters, the government is actively working on this issue as well.
Moreover, the condition of Captain Williamson Sangma College has also received attention, with the construction of a new building as part of efforts to enhance educational facilities in the district. Sangma announced that the Phase II Baghmara Water Supply Project has been sanctioned, with a budget allocation of Rs 140 crore, despite earlier delays in its approval.
As for connectivity, he reported progress on the Darugre to Baghmara road project via Siju to Dalu, which has an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore and is nearing final approval after completing land acquisition. The proposal is currently pending approval from the Ministry of Finance. Emphasizing that transformation is a gradual process, Sangma stated that the MDA Government is committed to systematically overcoming decades of neglect. The initiatives launched in South Garo Hills are reflective of the government’s intent and commitment to ensure equitable development and enhance the quality of life for the district’s residents.