File photo
Shillong, Sept 21:Â Construction works for the Rs.243 crore Tura Medical College under Centrally sponsored scheme will begin after all preparatory works are done, and after obtaining all necessary clearances.
This was informed by Health and Family Welfare secretary, Pravin Bakshi on the sidelines of a meeting for Rubella-Measles vaccination campaign held on Thursday in the Conference hall of Tura Civil Hospital.
Bakshi, who is the Mission Director NHM, Meghalaya visited Tura under the specific instructions of the Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, to assess the ground realities for the proposed Medical College that would be constructed in part in the premises of Tura Civil Hospital and in majority at Doldegre, located some 6 to 7 kms away from Tura Civil Hospital.
A meeting with the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner and other senior health & medical officers of the district was held and had threadbare discussions with them on various issues relating to the proposed Tura Medical College.
Bakshi informed that the Tura Civil Hospital itself was proposed to be a reaching college and it is set to be upgraded from the present 200 to 300 bedded in due course of time.
Since a sizeable area of Tura Civil Hospital were encroached by illegal settlers, a mechanism of voluntary withdrawal of the encroachers in a phase manner was discussed with the support of civil society, offering the alternative housing schemes for most eligible amongst them.
Various other legal issues and challengers in connection with the Medical College were discussed and it was decided to get all matters cleared by the government and law department.
As far as the plot at Doldegre where most of the administrative blocks, hostels of the Medical College will be located, it was informed by the district officers that the land is free from all litigations and encumbrances and works could begin anytime.
Bakshi exuded confidence that with the issuance of work order, all necessary clearances shall be obtained and mobilization of men, materials and machineries will take place and begin the works.
He also advised the District administration to get a district level consultative and reconciliation committee involving senior citizens, Church leaders and social organizations be activated again to iron out all potential glitches and impediments and ensure smooth execution of the works.
It was also advised the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) if any, resolve all issues relating to the pattas of land where the Medical College will be spread out and departments of Forests issues environmental clearances and PHE and MePDCL should work out modalities required for the supply of drinking water facilities and power supply respectively to the proposed Medical College at Doldegre.
