By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Members of a Meghalaya Assembly panel on May 26 carried out a field visit to a number of ongoing sports and public infrastructure projects across East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts.
Among the locations reviewed were the Mawkhanu Football Stadium under construction in New Shillong, the indoor sports facility and tennis court at Umsawli, and the water sports project at Umtham.
The visit was conducted by the Committee on Government Assurances under the leadership of chairman Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, accompanied by MLAs M Ampareen Lyngdoh, Celestine Lyngdoh, and Ollan Singh Suin.
Officials from the Sports Department and representatives of the construction agency were also present.
After assessing the projects, Tongkhar said the committee was satisfied with the speed of work and hoped the facilities would be ready within the targeted deadline.
He said the Mawkhanu Football Stadium would become one of Meghalaya's landmark sports projects and added that the state was preparing to host what he described as "the biggest football ground in India".
"We must thank Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for his initiative in bringing this project to Meghalaya," he said.
Being developed at Mawkhanu in New Shillong, the football stadium is planned with a capacity of 40,000 seats and is expected to be completed by late 2028 under the existing contract terms.
The Rs 732-crore venture is being executed by KPC Projects Limited as part of the government's efforts to promote Meghalaya as a major football destination.
A canoe slalom project intended to promote tourism and outdoor sporting activities is currently being developed at Umtham in Ri-Bhoi district. Officials said the facility covers nearly 14 acres and involves an investment of about Rs 21 crore.
Tongkhar also pointed to the rapid pace of development taking place across New Shillong, especially in road infrastructure and related public projects.
He expressed surprise at the scale of development underway in New Shillong, noting that the changes were significant for him and other committee members.
He said completing the projects on time would ensure that people are able to make full use of the sports and public facilities being developed by the government.