Shillong, December 17 : Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday launched the City Beautification Drive at Mawlai Mawroh, marking a renewed push to make Meghalaya’s urban centres “clean, green, safe and beautiful.” The launch event was attended by Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P. Ahammad and P. K. Boro, Director, Urban Affairs and CEO, Shillong Municipal Board.
Addressing residents and community leaders, Sangma said the drive continues the government’s ongoing work through the Urban Affairs Department and municipal bodies to improve cities and towns across the state. He welcomed the involvement of local communities, saying their participation shows the programme is progressing as intended.
Referring to earlier consultations with Rangbah Shnongs and other stakeholders, the Chief Minister said the demand for CCTV coverage had emerged strongly from neighbourhoods. As a follow-up, he announced the inauguration of the CCTV system, stating that around 25 of the 45 shortlisted localities under the first phase have been completed, while the remaining 20 locations will be covered soon.
He added that CCTV installations and street lighting would continue, with more locations to be included in a second phase.
Sangma stressed that meaningful transformation requires joint effort between citizens and government. “Even the smallest change can make a big difference,” he said, urging sustained grassroots engagement to strengthen governance outcomes.
An interactive session followed, where headmen from different Shillong localities raised issues including street lights, CCTV coverage, parking spaces, pedestrian footpaths, water supply problems, clogged drains, and other civic concerns.
During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed Beautification Grants to localities and inaugurated the CCTV installation for Mawlai Mawroh. He later visited Mawlai Iewrynghep as part of the day’s engagements.
