Tura, January 27: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today laid the foundation stone for the Greater Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme at a ceremony held at the Tura District Auditorium. Minister of PHED Marcuise N. Marak, Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, Principal Secretary of PHED S.M.A. Razi, Chief Engineer of PHED B.M. Lyndem, and other district administration officials were also present.
CM Sangma recalled that the project was first conceived in 2004, during his Selsella by-election campaign, in collaboration with the late P.A. Sangma. The initial vision was to address Tura’s water problems and benefit agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. He expressed his satisfaction at the project finally commencing.
The Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme, with an estimated cost of ₹398.48 crore, is an ambitious project aimed at resolving Tura’s persistent water shortages by providing a reliable and sustainable water supply. The project is funded by the Government of India through the Special Assistance on Capital Investment and is expected to be completed within 24-36 months.
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Tura’s residents, stating that the investment in this vital infrastructure will address immediate needs and lay the groundwork for long-term economic growth and development. He added that the project will have a lasting positive impact on public health and the overall quality of life in Tura.
CM Sangma stressed that the project represents a vision for a better and more sustainable future for Tura and called for the active participation and engagement of the local community for its successful implementation. He urged all stakeholders to cooperate, especially in preserving and protecting the catchment areas, as these are essential for the water supply. He stated that while the government can initiate projects and build reservoirs, the source of water depends on the protection of these catchment areas.
The Chief Minister also highlighted other developmental schemes and projects planned for Tura to ensure a better future for its citizens.
The Tura Urban Water Supply Scheme will involve the construction of a new storage dam, two-stage pumping stations, a water treatment plant, feeder mains, zonal reservoirs with capacities ranging from 200,000 to 600,000 liters, and an advanced distribution network covering approximately 66 kilometers. By utilizing the consistent dry-weather discharge from the Ganol River, the project aims to provide 135 liters of water per capita per day, accounting for wastage, institutional needs, and floating populations. The project includes a 30 MLD-capacity water treatment plant, pumping mains, and feeder systems.
