Tura (Meghalaya), April 18: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma laid the foundation for a multi-facility building at Dakopgre Friday, calling it a long-cherished dream of locals he was happy to launch as both CM and area MLA.
The ₹52-lakh project, funded equally by the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund and Meghalaya Basin Development Authority, will serve as a multi-purpose hub for skill training, youth clubs, indoor games, music spaces, coaching centres, and women-focused programs in tailoring, handicrafts, and food processing. Sangma told stakeholders to keep construction quality high.
He tied the project to Tura’s bigger push, listing the P. A. Sangma Integrated Sports Complex, Additional Secretariat, and a planned five-star hotel to lift tourism. Next up: beautification of P. A. Sangma Road from Araimile to Ballongre with streetlights, CCTV, landscaping, and public green spaces. With Baljek Airport also progressing, he said Dakopgre and Tura are set for a major transformation.
Tura will host six disciplines and the closing ceremony of the 2027 National Games, with Dakopgre playing a key role, Sangma added. CCTV and streetlight works in localities begin shortly, and he urged residents to partner with the government for the Games and town-wide upgrades.
Rev. Brinidita R. Marak of Dakopgre Baptist Church led a construction prayer after Sangma unveiled the plaque. Donme Ch. Marak opened the event, Assistant Pastor Wilme K. Marak offered prayer, and Nokma Walsang D. Sangma welcomed guests. The Dakopgre Ladies Club sang, senior citizen Emblington C. Marak spoke, and Regan Marak and friends performed. Committee secretary Cromwell Ch. Marak and president Tengkham A. Sangma addressed the gathering before Susmita A. Sangma’s benediction.
Sangma credited the Dakopgre Development Committee for pushing the project through, saying the building will anchor community and development work in Dakopgre and nearby areas.
