Tura, March 20: A day after construction work was stopped at the site of the cenotaph of Garo Labour Corps following public outcry over the demolition of the historic monument, the Tura Municipal Board (TMB) has provided more details regarding the redevelopment of the site.

The board has also cleared the air on some misconceptions, which had the local Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and social activists up in arms against the project at Lower Babupara in Tura.

Talking to Hub News, TMB’s Executive Engineer, Kometh Marak, the Tura Municipal Board (TMB), informed that the project is solely intended to enhance the site and not to replace it with a commercial building, as some have speculated.

Giving the rationale for the need for the redevelopment of the site, he said the site has been misused as a drinking spot and other anti-social activities, and every year during commemorative events, severe traffic congestion occurs in the area.

To address these issues, the TMB has planned the beautification project that includes a multi-level parking facility to ease parking difficulties during annual celebrations. The cenotaph will remain a central feature, relocated to the terrace of the new structure, ensuring that commemorations continue with the dignity they deserve, he explained.

He further clarified that while the design plan initially mentioned a “restaurant,” there will be no commercial eatery. Instead, the space will be designated for refreshments during commemoration events.

Marak assured the public that he and the department deeply respect the sacrifices of the Garo people who lost their lives in the World War I and are committed to preserving their memory.

Furthermore, he welcomed anyone seeking clarification on the matter, and affirmed that no construction work would proceed without public consensus.

On Wednesday, NGOs, social activists and community leaders had met with the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, Jagdish Chelani, to seek clarification on the matter. In the meeting, they were briefed on the project and their fears allayed.

The Cenotaph is a historical monument in Tura, built in honour of the several hundred Garos who sacrificed their lives during the First World War in France and the return of the few survivors on July 16, 1918. During the World War I, around 500 Garo men were recruited by the British government in India and sent to the frontlines of the war in France. Their job was to bring in supplies, construct roads and transport much needed supplies to the allied forces battling the Germans at the frontlines. Of the 500 men, 456 reached France, at the beginning of the cold and bitter winter of the same year. When the war ended on May 25, 1918, they were sent to Marseilles port in France for repatriation to India. They landed in Tura on July 16, 1918 but, of the 456 who reached France, only 120 returned home alive. It is a historical landmark that embodied the valour and contributions of the Garos.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had announced the renovation project in May 2024 at a cost of Rs 2 crore.

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