Shillong, February 7: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday said the state Government will spend around Rs 39 crores for the Wah Umkhrah Riverfront Development Project.
Addressing the gathering while laying foundation stone for the Wah Umkhrah Riverfront Development Project at Polo, the Chief Minister said the Wah Umkhrah Riverfront Development Project is one of the first initiatives to redevelop the urban spaces in Shillong.
“It is going to be a central hub for recreational, cultural, and social activities. This ambitious initiative aims to not only restore the ecological balance of the river but also to create a harmonious blend of modern amenities, connectivity bridges, and sports facilities that cater to the diverse needs of the community. This is a very important Project for us, with investment close to Rs 39 crores that will be spent in the redevelopment of this entire zone around the Wah Umkhrah,” Sangma said.
“The idea is to give a facelift and beautification to the city. We are also working closely with the Jal Shakti Ministry, Government of India, to clean up the Wah Umkhrah River, which is going to go hand in hand with the Riverfront Project. I would like to urge everyone to come together and collectively contribute to the bring this Project to fruition,” The CM added.
Others present of the occasion were Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Urban Affairs Department, Sniawbhalang Dhar, Minister-in-Charge of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Alexander Laloo Hek, Deputy Commissoner, East Khasi Hills, R. M. Kurbah, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Shillong Municipal Board, Prafulla Kr. Boro, MCS, and 120 members from Dorbar Shnongs across Shillong Conglomeration.
The Wah Umkhrah Riverfront Development Project, allocated at a budget of Rs 39 crores, aims to transform the Wah Umkhrah river into a dynamic and inclusive space for residents and visitors alike. Recognizing the immense potential of the Wah-Umkhrah River to be a central hub for recreational, cultural, and social activities, a comprehensive project has been envisioned to transform the Shillong Riverfront into a dynamic and inclusive space for residents and visitors alike.
This ambitious initiative aims not only to restore the ecological balance of the river but also to create a harmonious blend of modern amenities, connectivity bridges, and sports facilities that cater to the diverse needs of the community.
Sniawbhalang Dhar, Deputy Chief Minister incharge of Urban Affairs, while addressing the gathering emphasized on the importance of urban planning.
“This project endeavors to cleanse the Wah Umkhrah and its tributaries. I extend my gratitude to the Government for allocating Rs 39 crores for this initiative. I urge everyone to recognize that preserving our environment and enhancing the river’s beauty is not solely the government’s responsibility. It’s a collective duty for all citizens to uphold. Let’s unite, work together, and step forward to achieve our goal of maintaining cleanliness in our city. The Meghalaya Government is actively pursuing more significant projects to enhance road and water connectivity within our state’s capabilities. Under the guidance of our esteemed Chief Minister, I assure you that these objectives will be realized in the near future,” The Duty Chief Minister said.