After Decades of Neglect, South Garo Hills Sees Renewed Focus

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to inclusive and balanced development across all regions of Meghalaya, stating that South Garo Hills has received sustained attention and focused intervention over the last seven years. Addressing development initiatives in the district, the Chief Minister noted that over the past almost eight years, he has visited Baghmara and South Garo Hills on multiple occasions, personally reviewing progress and initiating several key development projects aimed at addressing long-standing gaps in infrastructure and public services.
“For over 23 years, South Garo Hills functioned without a dedicated Deputy Commissioner’s office building and continued to operate from a sub-division office, reflecting years of neglect. Under the MDA Government, this issue is being decisively addressed, with the construction of the DC office building now underway,” Sangma said.

“While staff quarters remain a challenge, the Government is actively working towards resolving this critical requirement,” he added. The Chief Minister also highlighted the poor condition of the Captain Williamson Sangma College in the district, which is now receiving attention as part of the Government’s broader focus on strengthening educational facilities. The new building of the college is under construction. The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to announce that the Phase II Baghmara Water Supply Project has now been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 140 crore. Although there were delays in securing approval for Phase II, the project has finally received clearance, with the funds sanctioned by the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER).

On connectivity, the Chief Minister informed that the ambitious Darugre to Baghmara via Siju up to the Dalu Road project, with an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore, is progressing towards final approval. “Land acquisition for the project has been completed, and the proposal is currently under final consideration, awaiting approval from the Ministry of Finance,” Sangma informed. Emphasizing that transformation cannot happen overnight, he stated that the MDA Government has been working consistently and systematically to reverse decades of neglect. “The initiatives undertaken in South Garo Hills reflect the Government’s clear intent, commitment, and focused attention to ensure equitable development and improved quality of life for the people of the district,” he said.