Shillong, March 9 (NationPress) Meghalaya's Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, announced on Monday that the South Garo Hills district is currently undergoing a significant transformation with development projects exceeding Rs 5,000 crore. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and boosting livelihood opportunities in the area.

Sangma made these statements during the “Our Magnificent Vision 2032 Meghalaya” event held at the Sports Complex in Baghmara, celebrating eight years of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government.

While addressing attendees, the Chief Minister emphasized the state government's focus on inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in rural and forested areas. He highlighted various initiatives launched over the last eight years aimed at bolstering infrastructure, enhancing public services, and creating job opportunities.

According to Sangma, notable investments have been made in diverse sectors within South Garo Hills, including Rs 354 crore for public health engineering, Rs 235 crore for education, and Rs 90 crore for tourism development.

Furthermore, infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 2,144 crore have been initiated in the district, as part of the government's broader strategy to improve connectivity and public amenities.

Regarding tourism, Sangma mentioned the government's promotion of community-based tourism, providing financial support for homestay projects. Beneficiaries in the district have received Rs 3.16 crore to enhance their homestay facilities.

“Once seen as one of the most overlooked districts, South Garo Hills is now becoming one of the most sought-after districts in the state,” Sangma stated, reaffirming the government's resolve to ensure that development yields real benefits for local communities.

The Chief Minister also revealed that the Greater Baghmara Water Supply Scheme Phase II, valued at Rs 140 crore and sanctioned by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), is set to proceed to the tendering phase soon.

During the event, Sangma distributed incentives under the Green Meghalaya and FOCUS+ initiatives. Thirty beneficiaries received a total of Rs 1.53 crore under the Green Meghalaya program, while twenty beneficiaries were supported through the FOCUS+ scheme.

The FOCUS+ initiative offers direct financial aid of Rs 5,000 per household and encourages farmers to form producer groups to improve collective marketing and bargaining power.

Officials mentioned that the Green Meghalaya program, which fosters community-led conservation of forest ecosystems, has already covered around 54,000 hectares and aims to expand by an additional 50,000 hectares in the coming years.