Shillong, 27th January 2025: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Greater Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme during a ceremony at the Tura District Auditorium.
Speaking at the event, Sangma said, “This project was first mentioned in 2004, about 21 years ago, when I was contesting the By-Election in Selsella. It was conceptualized with the late P. A. Sangma in 2004-2005, envisioning that it would not only address the water problems faced by urban Tura even then but also benefit agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Therefore, it gives me great happiness that the foundation stone for this project is being laid today.”
The Chief Minister stated that the ₹398.48 crore project is designed to tackle the water shortages in Tura, ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply for the town. “The Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme is funded by the Government of India through the Special Assistance on Capital Investment, and it is expected to be completed in about 24-36 months,” he said.
Highlighting its significance, Sangma noted, “Once completed, the project will have a lasting impact on public health, support economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life for Tura’s residents. This is not just an infrastructure project; it is a vision for a better, sustainable future for Tura.”
The Chief Minister called for active community participation to ensure the project’s success. “I urge every stakeholder to support the preservation and protection of the catchment areas. The government can initiate projects and build reservoirs, but the source of water for these reservoirs and dams is the catchment areas that need to be safeguarded. By involving residents in every step of the process, we aim to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, empowering the people of Tura to take pride in their contributions to the town’s development,” he stated.
The scheme includes constructing a storage dam, two-stage pumping stations, a water treatment plant, feeder mains, zonal reservoirs, and a 66-kilometre advanced distribution network. Utilizing the Ganol River as the primary water source, the project aims to provide a reliable supply of clean water, with a target of 135 litres per capita per day, accounting for wastage, institutional requirements, and floating populations.
Key features include the construction of zonal reservoirs with capacities ranging from 200,000 to 600,000 litres, a 30 MLD-capacity water treatment plant, and an efficient distribution system. The project is expected to meet Tura’s growing demand and ensure sustainable water access for years to come.
The event was attended by Minister of PHED Marcuise N. Marak, Chief Secretary D. P. Wahlang, Principal Secretary of PHED S. M. A. Razi, Chief Engineer of PHED B. M. Lyndem, and other officials from the district administration.