Urban migration a matter of concern: Meghalaya CM

Shillong, Nov 20 (PTI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma today said that migration from rural areas to urban areas is a serious concern as it contributes towards unregulated urban growth. "This over burdens the urban area and needs urgent attention," he said adding that the state government is geared up to tackle the problems on a mission mode by developing the rural areas aggressively and by creating sustained employment opportunities in the rural areas. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the housing project under the Integrated Slum Development Programme (ISDP) and the Basic Service for Urban Poor component of JNNURM at Lower Mawprem here. The ISDP project was sanctioned by the Centre for an amount of Rs 21.30 crore for 5 notified slums in Shillong, official sources said. The scheme is being implemented by Hindustan Prefab Limited (HPL). The Housing Project at Lower Mawprem will consist of 48 dwelling units in an area of 9900 sq ft with necessary infrastructure at an estimated cost of Rs 1.77 crore. On completion of the project, beneficiaries identified from the locality will be rehabilitated in the dwelling units. Sangma said that the Basic Service for Urban Poor (BSUP) under JNNURM has been launched as a flagship programme of the Centre with the main objective of coping with the massive problems that have emerged as a result of rapid urban growth resulting in the growth of slums with deficiencies in basic amenities like housing, water supply, solid waste management and sanitation.