Citing that Garo Hills has a milder climate during winter, the Achik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) has urged President Droupadi Murmu to intervene and ensure that Tura was made the winter capital of Meghalaya.
In a letter to Murmu, the AHAM mentioned that the first session of the Provisional Meghalaya Legislative Assembly was held in the District Council Hall in Tura on April 14, 1970 “depicting a picture of the importance of Tura in Meghalaya”.
According to AHAM, Tura’s milder climate may reduce the strain on infrastructure, minimising the need for extensive winter maintenance, and potentially resulting in cost savings.
“Tura’s winter temperatures, being milder compared to Shillong, could provide a more comfortable working environment for government officials. This is particularly relevant for outdoor activities or tasks that may be affected by extreme cold conditions,” it added.
AHAM also said that the reliability of government operations is intricately linked to environmental conditions, and Tura’s milder winter provides a favourable backdrop for this reliability.
“Extreme weather conditions, especially during winter, can pose significant challenges for governments operating in regions with harsh climates. Snowstorms, icy conditions, and extreme cold often lead to disruptions in transportation, communication, and overall logistics, affecting the seamless execution of administrative tasks. In contrast, Tura’s milder winter reduces the likelihood of weather-related disruptions, creating a conducive environment for consistent government operations. The absence of extreme cold and associated weather challenges facilitates more reliable planning and execution of administrative tasks. Government officials and employees can carry out their duties without the impediments posed by harsh weather conditions, ensuring a continuity of services to the public. The impact of weather-related disruptions on government operations extends beyond the immediate inconveniences. Delays and interruptions can cascade into broader consequences, affecting the implementation of policies, the delivery of public services, and even emergency response capabilities. Tura’s milder winter acts as a stabilising factor, minimising the risks associated with weather-induced operational disruptions,” it said.