Shillong, Sep 9: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who holds charge of the Urban Affairs Department, told the Assembly today that, as part of its commitment to urban transformation, the government has prioritised urban development with an investment of Rs 6,000 crore.
Dhar was pitched this soft question by his fellow party member Mayralborn Syiem, the MLA of Nongpoh.
Dhar pointed out that Meghalaya’s population is estimated at 38 lakh, with about 7 lakh residing in urban areas and cities like Shillong, Tura and Jowai, face challenges such as infrastructure strain, traffic congestion, housing shortages and inefficient waste management.
The Deputy CM also informed that to address long-standing concerns associated with waste dumping, the government is undertaking large-scale bio-mining operations at key landfill sites across cities.
Dhar also said that to address concerns around used water, widespread use of septic tanks and concerns over river water quality, the government is developing a comprehensive plan to strengthen faecal sludge and septage management (FSSM) in Meghalaya.
