SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has presented the blueprint for the Wah Umkhrah waterfront rejuvenation and beautification project.
The beautification project, which is estimated at Rs 39 crore, is aimed at enhancing the appeal and sustainability of the state’s urban areas.
The chief minister said the work on the waterfront beautification project is expected to start soon.
Elaborating on the scope of the project, CM Sangma said, “You can see the waterfront, all those circles with things that are there around the riverside. All this beautification work is going to happen now.”
He said though the project currently covers a small stretch of the river it marks a significant beginning.
Sangma said the Wah Umkhrah waterfront will be a central hub for recreational, cultural, and social activities.
The beautification initiative will help the tourism industry of Meghalaya to grow by attracting more visitors, the chief minister said.
Acknowledging the challenges in the execution of the project, he said, “Until the river is clean, no matter how much beautification we do, it’s not going to serve the purpose.”
Sangma stressed the need for a multi-faceted approach to the holistic development of the state. “All will have to go hand in hand,” he said, expressing hope that the beautification efforts would provide scope for the cleaning and maintenance of the river.
The project aims at restoring the ecological balance of the river and creating a harmonious balance blend of modern amenities.
