HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, March 9: The Government of Meghalaya steadfast in its commitment to fostering community empowerment, promoting cleanliness, and driving urban development was on full display as chief minister Sangma himself spearheaded various activities on Saturday as a part of the ongoing ‘My City’ campaign, showcasing the government’s dedication to citizen involvement and urban progress.
A notable highlight of the campaign was the allocation of cheques worth Rs 11.75 lakhs to 12 localities for cleanliness and beautification initiatives. These funds are earmarked for a range of projects including the redesigning of bus-stops, ensuring litter-free streets, organizing community cleanliness drives, waste collection efforts, and enhancing urban landscaping.
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Distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, S C Sadhu, Deputy Commissioner of EKH, E Kharmalki, Director of Urban Affairs Department, Government of Meghalaya, and PK Boro, CEO of Shillong Municipal Board, actively participated in the campaign, further underlining the government’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
Chief minister Sangma’s interaction with shopkeepers in Dhankheti, Shillong, urging them to uphold cleanliness standards and install dustbins in their establishments, reflects a grassroots approach to urban revitalization. Moreover, the launch of the “Reimagining Streets Initiative” at the MIIT campus in Shillong marks a pivotal step towards creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, with plans to develop 12-15 kilometers of footpaths in the city’s initial phase.
In his address, chief minister Sangma reiterated the government’s emphasis on infrastructure enhancement and community participation in driving the state’s development agenda. He highlighted the importance of the Quarterly Cleaning Drive Program, emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset, infrastructural improvements, and sustained community engagement.
A significant aspect of the campaign is the government’s commitment to regular funding, with provisions set to allocate funds every three months for cleanliness initiatives. This underscores a long-term approach towards maintaining cleanliness and ensuring the sustainability of the program beyond sporadic events.
The ‘My City’ campaign epitomises collaborative governance, fostering partnerships between government bodies, local communities, and citizens. It heralds a new era of inclusive urban development, with the Government of Meghalaya making substantial investments towards various initiatives including the creation of parking spaces, beautification projects targeting junctions and localities, and infrastructure upgrades aimed at empowering communities.
With ongoing projects worth approximately 520 crores and plans for administrative and knowledge cities totaling around 9,200 crores, Meghalaya demonstrates a holistic approach to development. Initiatives like the Martin dumping ground cleanup project underscore the government’s commitment to sustainable urban growth and environmental stewardship.
Chief minister Sangma issued a poignant call to action, urging every citizen to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings. With a steadfast vision and unwavering commitment, Meghalaya charts a course towards a future where each citizen contributes to shaping the destiny of the state.
