SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING OF THE GREATER SHILLONG WATER SUPPLY PHASE III

Shillong, Meghalaya, 22nd October 2008

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy to be in the beautiful state of Meghalaya, the "abode of the clouds". It was always my desire to visit your State and I am happy that I have the opportunity to be with you here today.I am equally delighted to be in your beautiful capital, Shillong, which lies surrounded by sacred hills and nestled between tall pine conifers and pineapple shrubs. I take this opportunity to convey to the friendly people of the State, my warmest greetings.

I am happy, that the Greater Shillong Water Supply Phase III project seeks to modernize the city's infrastructure and to address the needs of the growing population of this historic city. I am happy that this project, once completed, will benefit citizens in the outlying areas of the Shillong urban agglomeration and will also improve water supply in the whole municipal area of Shillong.

Globally and within the country there is a growing trend towards urbanization and the number of cities is growing. Haphazard construction and lack of planned civic amenities cause great inconvenience to the population and deprive towns of their character. In this context, it is important to follow systematic urban planning and proper urban governance. Every citizen should have access to basic services and livable habitats. Civic amenities such as water, electricity, sanitation and transport, should be efficiently managed. It also requires healthcare systems that address issues of nutrition, while providing medical care. Education is particularly important in making better informed citizens and the need for good educational facilities can hardly be over emphasised.

I understand that Shillong is experiencing fast urban growth and this urbanization process can be sustainable if growth is matched with augmentation of infrastructure facilities. It will be important that as a city develops amenities are made available to all parts of the city and the needs of its inhabitants including the weaker sections are met. This is the challenge which the policy makers must invariably address.

Cities must work towards poverty eradication. For the weaker and disadvantaged sections of society, special programmes for their welfare must be implemented in a time bound manner. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission seeks to cater to the needs of the poor in cities and improve the quality of their lives with the involvement of all stakeholders. Proper implementation of projects undertaken under this scheme like the, third phase of the Shillong Water Supply, along with their regular monitoring should be done to improve quality of life across all sections of society.

Water is increasingly becoming a scare resource, more so in the urban centres. It is an important requirement for any city and an integral part of any urban development plan. Water and sanitation go hand in hand. Supply of drinking water is important as it improves health. Contaminated water and unhygienic environment are the root causes of almost all kinds of diseases. It is very important to prevent water pollution and keep water bodies clean. Today, one of the hallmarks of modern cities is the availability of a clean and reliable water supply system for its inhabitants. Citizens have a duty to use water judiciously, it is a precious resource. Rain water harvesting should be adopted extensively.

Shillong holds great potential for generating revenues from tourism. Shillong is one of the most admired state capitals in the country and one of the leading hill stations of India, which attracts many tourists every year. Asured water supply will be a boon for the tourist infrastructure here. It has a rich cultural life and a tradition of holding fairs and celebrating festivals. Festival tourism is attracting attention as visits during these times give the visitors an opportunity, apart from enjoying the scenery and the local food, to know the cultural background of the people.

Shillong is also well-known as an "educational hub" of the North-Eastern region with a number of prestigious schools, colleges, institutions and NEHU located here. These educational institutions- medical, management and technology- must focus on research, with the aim to make Shillong one of the technical and research hubs of the region.

Cities, which are people-friendly, are built when they are nurtured and cared for by its inhabitants, the local authorities and the Government over the years. To keep cities clean each person can make a contribution. From waste management, to energy and water conservation, to planting trees - all these can be successful only with citizens' participation. I have great confidence in the people of the State. I would call on all stakeholders to work together to keep Shillong clean and to maintain its heritage, its beauty, its healthy environment and goodwill towards each other.

I once again convey my best wishes for the success of this project to the Government of Meghalaya, the city of Shillong and the citizens of this great hill station.

Thank you,

JAI HIND