In a significant push to enhance urban living, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma officially launched a comprehensive City Beautification Drive in Shillong on Wednesday. The event, held at Mawlai Mawroh, marks a concerted effort by the state's urban affairs department and municipal bodies to transform cities and towns into cleaner, greener, safer, and more beautiful spaces.
Grants Distributed and Security Boosted with CCTV Inauguration
During the launch ceremony, Chief Minister Sangma took a concrete step by distributing special beautification grants to various localities. In a move addressing community concerns, he also inaugurated a new closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system specifically for the Mawlai Mawroh area. This action directly follows up on requests made by residents during earlier consultations.
"I am happy to see that our efforts are moving in the right direction with the active participation of the communities and localities," stated the Chief Minister, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the project.
Government Responds to Community Requests
The CM recalled a previous meeting with Rangbah Shnongs (community heads) and other stakeholders where the need for enhanced security through CCTVs was strongly emphasized. "As a follow up of that meeting, I am happy to inform that today we are inaugurating the CCTV system," he announced.
He provided specific details on the progress, revealing that out of 45 localities shortlisted for the first phase, installations in about 25 have been completed. Work in the remaining 20 locations is expected to be finished soon. Sangma clarified that the installation of both CCTVs and street lights is a continuous process, with more areas to be covered in a planned second phase.
Grassroots Interaction Drives Effective Governance
Emphasizing a bottom-up approach, the Chief Minister stressed that "governance becomes more effective" when there is open interaction at the grassroots level. He opened the floor for discussion, where local headmen presented a list of immediate needs for their areas.
The concerns raised included:
- Requirement for more street lights and CCTV cameras.
- Creation of designated parking spaces.
- Construction of safe footpaths for pedestrians.
- Issues related to water supply and clogged drains.
- The problem of tangled overhead cables.
The CM responded positively to these points, assuring that the government is actively working on solutions.
Focus on River Reclamation and Infrastructure Surveys
Chief Minister Sangma also outlined broader environmental and infrastructural plans. He stated that the government is working on cleaning and revitalizing the Wahumkhrah river, aiming to give the waterfront a major facelift.
Officials have been directed to conduct surveys in the Umshyrpi area for the reclamation of the river. Furthermore, surveys will be undertaken in Umsohsun and Wahingdoh localities to find solutions for improving access for emergency services, taking into account the unique hilly topography of these regions.
Addressing the issue of non-functional infrastructure, Sangma said, "Instructions have been issued to survey and replace or remove non-functional streetlights and overhead cables." He added that one locality's proposal for solar lights is also under government consideration.
This multi-pronged initiative underscores the Meghalaya government's commitment to partnered development, where community input directly shapes urban improvement projects for a more sustainable and secure Shillong.
