Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today inaugurated 125 community centres spread across Garo Hills, funded under the Meghalaya Livelihood and Forest Ecosystem Management Project (MegLIFE).
The community centres constructed at Rs 24 lakhs each (with Rs 13 lakhs from the project and Rs 11 lakhs from the state), aim to provide a platform for communities to initiate various activities, including income-generating initiatives.
MegLIFE project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) focuses on community-based forest management and livelihood improvement in 500 villages across 12 districts of Meghalaya.
The project covers several income-generating activities, including community nursery, plantation, minor irrigation check dams, dug-out ponds, plastic tanks, and RCC water storage tanks.
The IVCS and SHGs are integral to the project, receiving benefits and playing a vital role in its implementation.
Speaking from Dobakol Awemong under Baghmara C&RD block in South Garo Hills, the chief minister said that the project focuses on restoration of degraded forests, strengthening natural resource management, and improving rural livelihoods.
He informed that the project empowers communities to take ownership of forest, land, and water resources. “We want to build a community that initiates intervention for sustainable livelihood. Through MegLife project, we are creating environment consciousness and ensuring sustained income through different activities,” he said.
Under the project, the total target of 452 community centres across Meghalaya is to be completed.
Thanking JICA for the support, the chief minister informed that another 150 plus community centres will be completed in Garo Hills.
He highlighted the project’s focus on community empowerment and sustainable development.
The chief minister also interacted with community who attended the programme virtually.
