GUWAHATI: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday emphasised the importance of better road connectivity in the Northeast to fully tap its tourism potential, ease the transport of goods, improve service delivery and contribute to the overall development of the region.
Naidu, who is on a Northeastern tour, spoke to the press in Shillong during the foundation-laying ceremony of the road widening project of Shillong – Dawki NH-40.
Remarking that the region has potential to become “the growth engine of the country”, Naidu called for fast-tracking developmental activities in the Northeast, using funds provided by the Centre with transparency and accountability.
The vice president was satisfied with the waning of insurgency, noting that peace is a pre-requisite for progress.
He recommended more technical innovation in design and road construction in lieu of the hilly and wet terrain of the region.
Referring to the complexities of road connectivity here, Naidu also highlighted the importance of improving connectivity through air travel, which has already progressed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme.
He again reiterated the importance of NH-40 to the tourism industry in the state. At the same time, he cautioned that care must be taken to ensure that the pristine ecological system is not disturbed in any manner.
He similarly recognised the opportunities for agro-entrepreneurship for states like Meghalaya, while acknowledging the PRIME Hub initiative and indigenous horticultural products such as Lakadong turmeric and Makhir ginger.
He called upon the youth to innovate as agro-entrepreneurs and improve upon productivity, packaging, and handhold small farmers to ensure that their products get the right price in the marketplace.
Naidu congratulated Rebecca Vanessa Suchiang, who was present during the event, for being the first Jaiñtia woman to become Chief Secretary of Meghalaya. He added that her achievement will be an inspiration for the youth of Meghalaya to take up government services as a career choice.
(Inputs From The Northeast Today)
