Shillong, Nov 13: To highlight the development initiatives and progress across various sectors in the Garo Hills region, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) organised a press tour for journalists from Shillong to South Garo Hills, providing them an opportunity to witness ongoing projects and interact with district officials.
Interacting with the visiting media team, Additional Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills, Pilot R. Marak, MCS, highlighted the district’s infrastructure development, improved road connectivity and tourism potential.
Describing South Garo Hills as a district rich in natural attractions, he identified Wari Chora, Balpakram and Nakama Cave among its prominent tourist destinations, adding that the Government is taking steps to strengthen infrastructure to support the district’s development.
He said several projects are underway in Baghmara, including construction and renovation works at the Civil Hospital and Captain Williamson Government College. A new Circuit House has also been completed and is currently operational, providing an important facility for the district.
On road connectivity, Marak highlighted the completion of the Bagmara-Romara and Bagmara-Ranikor roads, describing the latter as an important link that has significantly improved connectivity between South Garo Hills and Shillong. The journey to Shillong can now be completed in approximately six and a half hours.
He also informed that the new buildings of Romara and Chokpot C&RD Blocks have been inaugurated, while construction of block buildings at Baghmara and Gachapara is nearing completion.
Regarding National Highway 217, he said the necessary surveys and documentation, including the Detailed Project Report (DPR), have been completed and submitted to the Ministry for approval. Temporary repair and improvement works are also expected to begin shortly.
On border connectivity, he said the Talu-Ramchinga road is in good condition, while repair work along the Ramchinga-Sipari stretch is underway under the CPWD. Border fencing is also being taken up in certain areas, although compensation-related matters remain to be resolved.
Speaking on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Marak said the exercise was completed peacefully within the stipulated time frame. Regular meetings were held with political party representatives every Wednesday to share updates and ensure transparency in the process. He added that deletions were made in cases involving deceased electors and those who had permanently shifted elsewhere.
He also highlighted measures to address human-elephant conflict, stating that elephant crossing zones have been identified and warning signages installed to alert commuters. Personnel are deployed in vulnerable stretches to caution travellers, while road movement is regulated whenever elephants obstruct traffic. He said the concerned department was also looking into compensation for families affected by recent casualties.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police, South Garo Hills, Ringrang T.G. Momin, MPS, described the district as one of the least crime-prone areas in the State, with an average of only two to three reported cases a month, and sometimes fewer.
He said that despite the district’s vast geographical spread and dispersed settlements, it has a substantial police presence, with the number of police stations and units second only to Tura in the western region.
Given its location along the international border, the police maintain close coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), conducting joint operations, setting up checkpoints and holding regular coordination meetings to strengthen border security.
On the nature of crimes reported, Momin said cases primarily involve offences against women and children. The district also has women police stations and a Narcotics Task Force to address drug-related offences.
He noted that although the district is used as a transit route for drugs originating from outside, police efforts have led to the detection of two such cases in recent months, with arrests made and cases registered against the accused.
Reflecting on the district’s past, the SP said South Garo Hills had once been among the areas severely affected by militancy. However, the situation has improved considerably since then, with business activities expanding, local enterprises growing and agricultural production, including arecanut cultivation, witnessing progress.
He said the police continue to work towards strengthening public confidence and maintaining peace and security across the district.
On infiltration attempts, Momin said that individuals detected near the border are dealt with in coordination with the BSF and pushed back as per established procedures. He added that approximately nine kilometres of the international border remain unfenced, with the process still under discussion, while work has currently been halted.
Clarifying the crime situation, he said there has been no sudden increase in criminal activities and that the overall number of cases has declined compared to previous years.
He also underscored the importance of sustained public awareness programmes on drug abuse and related social issues, conducted in coordination with the Social Welfare Department, the Bar Association and local communities.
