Twenty-three localities in East Khasi Hills have been provided with financial aid to carry forward various activities under the second phase of the ‘Locality Beautification and Enhancement Competition’.
The sanction letters were handed to the representatives of the localities at a launch programme held at the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Shillong yesterday.
An initiative of the Tourism Department the project is aimed at empowering community level institutions to take on community beautification and enhancement activities and projects in their respective localities and durbars through a competition amongst localities.
Participating localities were briefed on the activities to be taken up and inputs, learning and feedback that the office has obtained from the first set of participating localities was also shared.
It was informed that for both phases, prizes to the tune of Rs 10 lakh will be awarded to best localities, along with additional prizes for best artists and innovations on the following criteria- Aesthetics, Cleanliness, Public Amenities, Community Market Area, Safety & Security and Sustainability. Key areas of evaluation include creativity, innovations applied, and social impact. Popular vote will also be part of the evaluation process.
The office informed that with respect to the first phase of the competition launched in September 2021, a majority of the participating localities have completed the works and submitted reports.
Thirty-four localities had participated in the first phase of the competition through a number of innovative works.
Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo informed that under the first phase there was an overall improvement of community spaces in terms of safety, cleanliness, environmental consciousness, aesthetics and overall appeal.
Stating that exemplary execution of the works were displayed by many of the localities with the active participation of youth, women and local talents she informed that localities that have completed their submission of utilisation certificates can apply for a maintenance fund that can be up to 10 per cent of the original fund sanctioned.
“To apply for the maintenance fund, participating localities will also be required to pledge an equal amount to be raised from other sources. This is to encourage localities to partner with institutions and agencies for collaborative efforts and joint action on the maintenance and sustainability of the cleanliness and beautification initiatives,” she said.
