Shillong, Oct 21: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Siju Regional Unit on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma during his Siju visit, flagging critical development gaps in the region.
On connectivity, the union said Rongsu village remains without a proper road, leaving farmers and students isolated in dry and winter seasons, and sought sanction for an all-weather blacktopped road with drainage.
It also flagged delay in NH-217, the lifeline of South Garo Hills, due to pending land acquisition and compensation, and demanded expedition of compensation and full-fledged construction by executing agencies.
On health, the GSU said Siju PHC caters to a vast population but lacks beds, staff and emergency diagnostics, forcing patients and pregnant mothers to rush to Baghmara, Tura or Goalpara, and demanded upgrade to a fully equipped CHC with specialists.
The union further pointed out that infrastructure built under the central Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Siju — a leading eco-tourism hub famous for Siju Caves—remains un-inaugurated and shows substandard quality, seeking a high-level technical audit and rectification before inauguration.
Despite huge tourism potential, Siju lags in power, drinking water and youth amenities, the GSU said, demanding a comprehensive regional development plan with stable power grid and livelihood initiatives.
