Meghalaya shows how development can go hand in hand with nature: CP Radhakrishnan
Shillong, Sept 7: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Monday laid foundation stones for five major infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1010 crore in Meghalaya as he lauded the sustainable living pattern in the state.
Meghalaya’s experience of living alongside nature can offer lessons to the rest of the country as it pursues development, he said while addressing a public reception organised in his honour at Soso Tham Auditorium here.
Referring to living-root bridges and landscapes of Sohra and Mawsynram, the Vice President stressed the need to protect the state’s environment, culture and traditions even as infrastructure growth takes place.
He said the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047 would mean little unless development reaches every state, village and section of society.
Among the five infrastructure projects unveiled by the Vice President was New Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase II, Part A, estimated at Rs 850.58 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund.
The other projects include two road connectivity works under NESIDS, a 30-bed AYUSH facility at Shillong Civil Hospital and a 132/33 KV substation at Mawkhanu under PM-DevINE.
Radhakrishnan also virtually inaugurated the Maternity and Children’s Hospital at Nongstoin, built at a cost of Rs 31.05 crore under the National Health Mission.
The projects, collectively valued at around Rs 1,042 crore, are expected to strengthen water supply, roads, healthcare and electricity infrastructure across the state.
Roads, water and remote connectivity
Radhakrishnan highlighted connectivity as a key part of development in the Northeast. He said more than 46,000 km of rural roads had been built in the region under PMGSY over the past decade, with spending of over Rs 47,000 crore.
He also welcomed Meghalaya’s reform-linked MoU under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
The Vice President praised the state’s efforts in tourism and infrastructure, including the homestay programme, CM-Elevate and Green Meghalaya initiatives.
Remembering PA Sangma
During his address, he also remembered his former Lok Sabha colleague and Speaker PA Sangma, describing him as a great leader and parliamentarian who made an important contribution to parliamentary democracy.
Radhakrishnan called for greater mutual respect and harmony among communities, saying development should benefit everyone without leaving any section behind.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai, and Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P Ahammed were among others present on the occasion.
