Projects inaugurated – Sonagre-Jijikapara bridge over Bugi river, 2-lane Kujikura-Dimapara road, integrated block office at Dalu
Shillong, April 17: In a significant push to infrastructure growth in West Garo Hills, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday unveiled several development projects, including widened road, bridge and integrated block office, in the district.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the Sonagre-Jijikapara bridge over Bugi river and double-laning of Kujikura-Dimapara road at Jijikapara under Dalu C&RD Block. He inaugurated the Dalu Block Integrated Development Complex at another programme.
The 90-metre-long bridge was built under World Bank-funded Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP) at the cost of Rs 15 crore connects West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills across the Bugi (Bugai) river.
It will benefit villages including Sonagre, Chandapara, Jijikapara, Abeagre, Awalgre, and A.simgre in West Garo Hills, and Megua Songmong, Megua A.bagre, Ruga Doldoma, Ruga Songmong, Chokpot, and Dimapara in South Garo Hills, covering over 6,000 population.
In his address at the programme at Jijikapara, the Chief Minister said the bridge was a long-felt necessity for the people of the area, who had faced considerable difficulties in the past due to lack of proper connectivity.
“This bridge was not just important, it was essential for the people here who have struggled for years to cross and stay connected,” he stated.
The 4-km-long Kujikura-Dimapara double-laned road project built with Rs 24 crore serves as a vital link between NH-51 and NH-62, benefitting villages including Kujikura, Dalu Dapgre, Upper Bamanpara, Lower Bamanpara, and Dimapara, covering over 2,600 population.
Highlighting the government’s efforts, he said that over the past eight years, multiple schemes and projects have been undertaken to strengthen connectivity across the State.
“In the past eight years, we have invested significantly in improving road infrastructure and connectivity, ensuring that even remote areas are linked to growth centres,” he said.
He also stated that the State Government continues to work closely with the Central Government and various agencies to implement key developmental projects.
“Our collaboration with the Government of India and partner agencies has enabled us to take up major infrastructure initiatives that are transforming connectivity in Meghalaya,” he said.
Referring to a recent Cabinet decision, he informed that Garo and Khasi have been included as official languages, enabling greater inclusivity in governance and administration.
“This decision will empower our people—our MLAs can now debate in their mother tongue, and our students can write examinations such as DSC and MPSC in Garo and Khasi,” he said.
At another programme at Barengapara, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Dalu Block Integrated Development Complex at Dalu C&RD Block, Barengapara.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the complex would function as a one-stop centre for governance and service delivery, benefiting over 12,000 households and more than 30,000 people in the block area by bringing multiple departments under one roof and improving access to schemes and grievance redressal.
Sangma highlighted the historical and strategic importance of Dalu, noting that the block was established in 1954 under the Community Development Programme and has been an integral part of the State’s development journey since its inception.
He emphasised its significance as a border block and its evolution into a vibrant economic zone driven by agriculture and cross-border trade, with a majority of the population dependent on farming and allied activities.
He recalled that the long-standing aspiration of the people to upgrade Dalu into a sub-division was fulfilled in December 2022, marking a major milestone in the region’s administrative growth.
Emphasising governance at the grassroots, he said block offices serve as the first point of service delivery for citizens, but many have historically functioned from rented or dilapidated buildings.
“For years, our block offices operated under constraints, yet our officers and staff continued to serve the people with dedication. I express my deep gratitude to all of them,” he said.
Highlighting the Government’s approach, he added, “If we want development to reach every household, we must strengthen governance at its foundation. Strengthening our block-level institutions is key to achieving that.”
Referring to the State’s administrative expansion, he noted that Meghalaya has grown from 24 blocks at the time of statehood to 56 C&RD blocks today, reflecting one of the most decentralised administrative frameworks in the country.
Speaking on the newly inaugurated facility, he said, “We are fortunate today to have this new infrastructure. However, this is merely a concrete building, and it is in the hands of the officers and staff to transform it into a true centre of service for the people.”
Urging officials to uphold compassion in public service, he said, “People come from far-flung villages, and often they are not aware of rules and regulations, government schemes, or even how to write applications. In such situations, they need our support, guidance, and kindness.”
The Chief Minister further stated that the inauguration forms part of a broader and unprecedented investment in grassroots infrastructure across the State.
“From roads and health facilities to water connections and block-level institutions, we are ensuring that development reaches every village and every household. Our focus is to strengthen the last mile, empower local institutions, and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Border Areas Development minister Brening A Sangma expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for sanctioning the new block office.
He urged citizens to actively avail themselves of various government schemes aimed at livelihood creation and economic upliftment.
Emphasising the importance of peace for sustained development, he stated, “Peace is a prerequisite for development. Without peace, progress is disrupted, and opportunities are lost.”
Referring to recent challenges, he noted that three projects in the area, which were scheduled for completion in March, were delayed due to unrest in the Garo Hills.
West Garo Hills DC in-charge Mary Lisa K Marak and Gram Sevika Lehena C Marak, BDO TN Sangma, and Rev Cherengre D Sangma of Dapgre Baptist Church also addressed the programme.
