Shillong, Feb 13, 2012: Concerned at the slow rate of urbanisation in Meghalaya, government officials and prominent citizens will sit together to find a long-term solution. A round table conference of top government officials and citizens will be held here on February 15.

Initiated by the Indian Chambers of Commerce, the conference will be attended by officials and representatives from Industries, Tourism, Urban Development, Public Health Engineering besides Railways and Airports Authoritty of India. "Urban spaces in the North East could act as regional hubs of growth and provide gateways to the dynamic markets of South East Asia," ICC officials told PTI. Urban development in Meghalaya especially in the major towns, including the capital is insufficient to meet the growing demands of the population, the officials said. According to 2001 census

Meghalaya has only 19.58 per cent urban population, much lower than the national average of 28 per cent. Presently the state has 16 urban centres of which Shillong Urban Agglomeration is the largest one, comprising seven towns. The urban population in Meghalaya has grown from 1,47,150 in 1971 to 3,30,047 in 1991 and to 4,54,111 in 2001. The decadal growth rate in 1991 – 2001 was 37.59 per cent in Meghalaya higher than the national growth rate of 31.2 per cent for the decade. Shillong and Tura alone contributes 71.93% of the urban population. Issue of basic services for the state including infrastructure, shelter, water, sanitation, solid waste management, roads, communication system, rapid transportation, street lighting and related subjects will come up for talks. Meghalaya Dy CM B M Lanong will be the chief guest for the event. (Source: PTI)