CM meets headmen over PWD land issue, says project is with multiple objectives

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 19, 2020

Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma said the proposed development at Barik junction, where offices of the PWD (roads) are located, has to be seen in a larger picture.

“All the development work we are planning to do for Shillong city has got multiple objectives,” Sangma told reporters after convening a meeting with a delegation of headmen on Monday.

He said it is not just about having commercial property but it is about looking at the aspects of decongestion, parking space, logistics, beautification of the city, creating iconic structures.

“At the same time we are ensuring that there has to be some commercial aspect otherwise the viability of the project is not there,” Sangma said.

He said this was explained to the delegation while reiterating that the project is being done for the overall interest of Shillong city.

The delegation was led by United Democratic Party (UDP) leaders.

UDP chief adviser and former deputy chief minister, Bindo M Lanong said that they have expressed the need that the PWD land at Barik junction should be utilized for solving the multiple problems faced by the public in Shillong.

He said it was also suggested if the premises of the Shillong civil hospital can be decongested by providing parking space to attendants and visitors.

“Since, the area is surrounded by government offices, we have suggested the government to avoid creating more congestion by construction of a shopping mall in that space…you can have a shopping mall elsewhere,” Lanong said.

He said the delegation has insisted that the PWD land can be used for other purposes like a public park.