Staff Reporter

Shillong, June 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today inaugurated 125 community centres across Garo Hills under the Meghalaya Livelihood and Forest Ecosystem Management Project (MegLIFE).

The inauguration was conducted virtually from Dobakol Awemong in the Baghmara C&RD block, South Garo Hills, where the chief minister was present. The event was also attended by Assembly Speaker Thomas K Sangma, Ministers Marcuise Marak, Rakkam A Sangma, Abu Taher Mondal, and several MLAs.

Each centre was constructed at a cost of Rs. 24 lakhs, with Rs. 13 lakhs funded by the project and ₹11 lakhs by the state government. These centres aim to provide a platform for communities to engage in various activities, including income-generating initiatives.

The MegLIFE project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), focuses on community-based forest management and livelihood improvement in 500 villages across 12 districts of Meghalaya.

Apart from constructing community centres, the project supports various initiatives such as community nurseries, plantations, minor irrigation check dams, dug-out ponds, plastic tanks, and RCC water storage tanks. Integrated Village Cooperative Societies (IVCS) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play a key role in the project’s implementation.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sangma said the project is focused on restoring degraded forests, strengthening natural resource management, and enhancing rural livelihoods.

“We want to build communities that take initiative in driving sustainable livelihoods. Through the MegLIFE project, we are fostering environmental consciousness and ensuring sustained income through diverse activities,” he said.

He added that the project empowers communities to take ownership of forest, land, and water resources, and expressed gratitude to JICA for their support.

A total of 452 community centres are targeted to be completed across the state, with over 150 more centres set to be completed in Garo Hills. The chief minister also interacted virtually with community members who joined the programme.

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