Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan touched down in Shillong on Monday for his first official state visit. He arrived at the U Soso Tham Auditorium to inaugurate a series of infrastructure projects worth a combined ₹1,042 crore. The Vice President laid foundation stones for five major developments totaling ₹1,010.95 crore, while also opening the ₹31.05 crore Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Nongstoin.
Big spending is coming. The largest item is the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase II, Part A, which carries a price tag of ₹850.58 crore. Other foundational projects include a 110-metre bridge over the Umngot River costing ₹21.86 crore, a 13.50-kilometre road from Umsen to Barapathar for ₹56.01 crore, a ₹10 crore AYUSH facility at Shillong Civil Hospital, and a 132/33 kV substation at Mawkhanu costing ₹72.50 crore.
Radhakrishnan praised the state for its matrilineal traditions and natural beauty. He defined secularism as a mutual respect for differing beliefs. During his address, he looked back at the late P. A. Sangma, calling him a formidable leader. He reminded the audience that the Northeast has seen over 46,000 kilometres of road construction under the PMGSY initiative over the last decade.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma joined the Vice President alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar. The Chief Minister touted Meghalaya as one of India's fastest-growing economies. He emphasized that traditional institutions remain the backbone of the state’s identity. The Vice President remained focused on the immediate future. "This is my first official visit to Meghalaya and I am deeply touched by the warm reception extended to me. I am with you in every development of the state," Radhakrishnan said.
The event highlighted the state's participation in the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. Officials also noted the CM-Elevate and Green Meghalaya programs. Development must be inclusive, Radhakrishnan told the crowd. Growth must respect the environment.
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