SHILLONG, SEPT 11: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday said his government has built close to 3,500 km of new roads in the last 7-8 years — an average of 1.1 km every single day — a scale not seen in 20 years.
Sangma was speaking after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for several projects at Tikrikilla and Raksamgre in West Garo Hills.
The projects include foundation stone for RCC bridge at Jangrapara, Raksamgre, new tourism guest house at Nagargaon, Tikrikilla, and foundation for new tourism guest house at Raksamgre.
He was accompanied by Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira, Deputy Speaker Limison D Sangma, MLA Jimmy D Sangma and GHADC CEM Dhormonath Sangma.
“Road connectivity is directly linked to economic growth and livelihood improvement. That is why we have given highest priority to road construction,” Sangma said.
Citing change in Garo Hills, he said, “Baghmara to Rongara earlier took almost 3 hours, today it takes only 30 to 45 minutes. Rongara to Ranikor which earlier took 3 hours, now takes just 1 hour.”
“Development cannot happen overnight, but we have laid foundation for growth. We have to build infrastructure, but also pay salaries to teachers and employees. We don’t have unlimited budget, but we are prioritizing and working sincerely,” he said.
Highlighting the Rs 3,500 crore Dhubri-Phulbari bridge — the longest in eastern region — nearing completion, Sangma said it will open a new economic corridor for Northeast.
“We have proposed a major corridor – Dalu to Baghmara, Baghmara to Ranikor, Ranikor to Shella and Ratecherra up to Bangladesh border. When completed, it will connect Silchar, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura and transform trade and movement,” he said.
He said over Rs 200 crore has been sanctioned in last 4 years for 56 blocks for schools, block offices and health centres.
“We had schools but no proper infrastructure, no water, no electricity. We had blocks but no office to work from. We are slowly changing that scenario,” he said.
Sangma also inaugurated private agro processing unit Megha Agro Gold at Tikrikilla that will process areca nut, jackfruit and pineapple.
“In past we had to throw our produce away. Today we are making ice cream from jackfruit and pineapple of Garo Hills. This is good start, but not enough. We need more such industries so farmers get good price,” he said.
Lauding GHADC under CEM Dhormonath Sangma, Sangma launched two Council reforms — GHADC Patta Management System portal for transparent land records and Service Conduct Rules Book for employees.
On Separate Electoral Roll (SER), Sangma called it a historic and bold decision.
“Separate Electoral Roll was a very big decision. We have passed rules and resolved long pending problem once and for all. No non-tribal should feel hurt. We are not against any community. We have lived peacefully for ages and will always live together and work together. This decision was necessary to bring clarity and protect interests of tribal communities,” he said.
He said promises made during elections for Tikrikilla roads have been fulfilled.
“To bring investment, we need infrastructure. Guest houses, roads and bridges will ensure people would like to come and invest here. This is how real economic development happens,” he added.
