The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) of the Meghalaya government recently organized an inspection for journalists in Garo Hills, with visits to several areas including East Garo Hills and Williamnagar.

One of the highlights of the tour was Nengkhra Market, a local hub that has been revitalized through initiatives supported by MGNREGA and NABARD.

Before these improvements, vendors were forced to sell their goods along the roadside, facing the dangers of speeding vehicles and a lack of proper space. Now, with the construction of a dedicated marketplace, villagers can safely sell their produce. The project, costing approximately ₹21.5lakhs, has provided new shops, fences, and a hall, offering both safety and opportunity for local traders. Enok Marak, a Junior Engineer from Samanda CNRD Block, explained that this market has been a lifeline for nearby villages, with 7-8 villages now regularly bringing their goods to market.

A small fee of ₹50 is collected from vendors, further supporting the local economy, said Marak.

Marak added that with the availability of the market it not only enhanced the safety of traders but also boosted the livelihoods of local farmers and artisans, giving them a more organized and accessible space to conduct business.