The construction of Futsal Playgrounds, funded through DMF, East Jaintia Hills which was initially started in the District Headquarter, Khliehriat in the year 2024 has now been expanded to other remote areas of the district including Saipung, Sohkymphor, Mukhaialong and others. One more such Futsal Playground funded under DMF Scheme for the financial year 2024-2025was inaugurated today at Ratacherra Village by Sutnga-Saipung MLA, Smti. Santa Mary Shylla in the presence of Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Shivansh Awasthi, IAS, BDO, Lumshnong Block, Shri M. Kyndait, Waheh Chnong, Ratacherra Village, Shri Pynkhlainbor Dhar, students and people of the area.
Delivering her address during the inauguration function, Sutnga-Saipung MLA, Smti. Santa Mary Shylla while speaking on the menace of drugs in the society stated that one of the primary objectives of the Futsal Ground Projects initiated through the DMF in different locations across East Jaintia Hills is to engage citizens particularly the youth in sporting activities in order to enable them to avoid negative thoughts even as she urged upon parents to encourage their children to take up sports in the interest of their physical and mental well-being.
On the occasion, Smti. Shylla informed that the project for construction of the retaining wall near the futsal playground estimated to cost 15 lakh rupees is also being initiated, the construction of which will lend stability to the sporting infrastructure inaugurated on the day. Much to the cheer of the gathering, she also announced that Umkiang Village is also set to get a Futsal Playground in the near future.
Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Shivansh Awasthi, IAS in his address commended the Headman and community members of Ratacherra for providing much needed support during the execution of the Futsal Playground Project right from the stage of site identification till its completion expressing hope that in future, the sports infrastructure inaugurated will help the community to inculcate the tradition of sports in all the youth, since sports activities are beneficial not only to the health and physical well-being of individuals but also to their mental health and wellness.
Shri Awasthi also appreciated the efforts of the DMF staffs including DMF Engineer, Shri Dapmain Nongtdu who has been working tirelessly and conducting regularly inspections starting from the identification of the location, monitoring of the work, etc in order to ensure timely completion of the project.
Adding colour and fervour to the occasion were cultural dances performed by students of Wellington Jungai Memorial Secondary School, Ratacherra and a song rendered by community members of Ratacherra Village.
