Tura, April 18: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a ₹52 lakh multi-facility building at Dakopgre in West Garo Hills, positioning the project as part of a broader push to transform Tura into a key urban and tourism hub ahead of the 2027 National Games.
The project, funded jointly by the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF) and the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), is being planned as a multi-purpose community space catering to youth development, skill training, and social activities.
Calling it a “long-cherished aspiration” of the people, Sangma said the initiative reflects the government’s focus on grassroots infrastructure and community-centric development. “In the past eight years, we have worked as a team to bring transformative changes. Today, that progress is visible across Tura,” he said.
Linking the project to a larger development roadmap, the Chief Minister highlighted key infrastructure initiatives in and around Dakopgre, including the P. A. Sangma Integrated Sports Complex, the Additional Secretariat, and a proposed five-star hotel aimed at boosting tourism.
He also announced an upcoming beautification drive along the P. A. Sangma Road—from Araimile Junction to Ballongre—featuring street lighting, CCTV surveillance, landscaping, and green public spaces.
On connectivity, Sangma pointed to ongoing developments at Baljek Airport, emphasizing that these developments would not only enhance the town’s overall infrastructure but also boost tourism and generate livelihood opportunities.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that construction standards are maintained. He also called for optimal utilisation of the facility as a community hub, suggesting spaces for indoor sports, music, coaching centres, and skill-building programmes for youth and women, including tailoring, handicrafts, and food processing.
Looking ahead, Sangma underscored Tura’s strategic importance for the 2027 National Games, where the town will host six disciplines along with the closing ceremony. “This will be one of the biggest events in the State’s history, and Dakopgre will play a key role,” he said, urging citizens to actively participate in preparing the town.
The programme was attended by local leaders, community members, and church representatives, with prayers offered for the successful completion of the project. Cultural performances and community addresses marked the occasion, reflecting strong local support for the initiative.
