SHILLONG, MAY 22: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday laid the foundation for over ₹150 crore worth of urban infrastructure projects in Tura, stressing that governance must be “public-oriented and rooted in continuous engagement with citizens.”
The projects include the ₹60.76 crore redevelopment of Najing Bazar with car parking, hotel, vendor spaces and a 500-capacity banquet hall; a ₹51.21 crore multi-level car parking and cinema complex at Dakopgre with space for 200 cars, three screens, gaming zone and food court; and refurbishment of the SMELC building with an art and culture promenade, museum, kid zone park, CM Youth Centre and active ageing centre.
“CM Connect is an idea built around that vision — that every citizen should be able to connect directly with the Government,” Sangma said, addressing a gathering of CEM GHADC, MDCs, Tura Municipal Board Chairman JD Sangma, senior officials, artists and citizens.
Explaining the CM Connect 1971 helpline, he said, “Every concern raised by citizens is recorded in the system and forwarded to the concerned officials for redressal. These grievances are expected to be resolved within a specific timeframe, and the entire process is monitored by me in real time.”
Sangma announced that CM Connect Offices will be set up in all 56 blocks to reduce travel to district headquarters. “People should not have to travel all the way to district headquarters for basic services,” he said.
On Tura’s transformation, he noted, “Over the last eight years, the Government has initiated several interventions to beautify Tura town. We still have a long way to go, but through sustained and focused efforts, the Government will continue to improve amenities and invest in infrastructure development.”
Detailing the Najing Bazar project, he said it will include parking for 40 trucks and 50 cars, a 70-bed hotel, and nearly 200 shops, “designed to double existing market capacity while ensuring no disruption to livelihoods during implementation.”
The Dakopgre complex, he said, will “contribute to improved mobility, increased economic activity, and a ‘stay longer, spend local’ urban experience.”
The Chief Minister also launched the Tura Municipal Board Mobile App, distributed cheques under the Chief Minister Artists Engagement Scheme, and announced 552 LED streetlights and 500 CCTV cameras across Tura.
“We are launching a scheme that engages local artists directly — to make public spaces beautiful through murals, street art, and coordinated painting,” he said, adding it will “generate livelihood opportunities, strengthen civic pride, and enhance the visual identity of urban spaces.”
On cleanliness, he said the Grading of Localities framework will “institutionalise cleanliness as a civic discipline rather than a one-time activity.” Citing CM Connect data, Sangma said West Garo Hills recorded 7,644 citizen connects with 767 grievances, of which 355 have been resolved. Statewide, 69,975 connects and 5,540 grievances have been registered.
Linking the projects to the 39th National Games 2027, he said, “Improved infrastructure, clean corridors, walkable districts, and cultural identity-driven design will define the visitor experience during the event and beyond.”
“Ultimately, the success of urban transformation will be measured by lived experience, ensuring safety for families, dignity for vendors, opportunities for youth, and collective responsibility in maintaining a clean and functional city,” the Chief Minister said.
The programme concluded with a CM Connect Session where citizens raised grievances directly before the Chief Minister and officials.
By Our Reporter
