Ampati, February 10: Meghalaya Chief Secretary, K. S. Kropha along with Principal Secretary, Planning, Programme Implementation & Evaluation, R.M.Mishra visited and inspected a few of the developmental project sites South West Garo Hills, including the recently inaugurated Apparel & Garment Making Centre at Hatisil, Ampati and the tourism development site at Chenga-Benga Lake near Garobadha on Friday morning.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner C.V.D. Diengdoh and SP Ramesh Singh and a team of officials from MBDA, Shillong.
It may be mentioned that the Chenga-Benga is a natural lake about 7 km from Garobadha on the banks of River Ganol. Its length is 1.6 km and about 20 metres wide. Legend has it that the two brothers, Chenga and Benga were holy men, who left their worldly affairs and resided on the banks of the lake.
It is believed that on certain full moon nights, holy and virtuous people can find golden vessels floating on the surface of the water which can be collected and used for religious rites and rituals. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the Chenga-Benga temple by the lake particularly during the month of March or April when a religious fair is held annually.
The Chief Secretary was apprised of the project being implemented in convergence by the Tourism, Fisheries, C&RD, Soil & Water Conservation departments and the local committee to develop the lake.
Later at Ampati Circuit House, the Chief Secretary briefly met the district heads of line departments, who highlighted their problems and requirements. He also enquired about the status of Ampati Civil Hospital which is expected to be inaugurated very soon.
