From Chaos to Charm: Shillong’s renewal journey gains momentum

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 13, 2024

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma catalyzed Shillong’s urban rejuvenation by laying Foundation Stones for four pivotal projects during a ceremony at Ward’s Lake on March 12. These transformative endeavors, ranging from commercial development to environmental restoration, signify a pivotal shift in Shillong’s trajectory from chaos to charm.

The projects included the Development of a Commercial Building at Polo Junction, Mechanised Multi-Level Car Parking at Vivekananda Road, near Additional Secretariat and Polo Commercial Complex, Beautification of Iewduh Market, and Improvement and Beautification of Five Lakes in the State and the Ward’s Lake Promenade.

Beautification Initiatives

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed the government’s ambitious vision to transform the capital city of Shillong into a modern and livable urban center. He emphasized the significance of beautifying Iewduh Market to enhance its appeal to tourists and local residents. The Chief Minister detailed the comprehensive aspects of the 15 Cr project, including realignment of pipelines, construction of public utilities, waste management systems and building beautification, aimed at creating a vibrant and functional space.

On Beautification of Ward’s Lake and the Ward’s Lake Promenade, Chief Minister Sangma outlined plans to develop a stretch of 1.5-2 kms opposite the lake, incorporating various amenities such as shops, vending zones, and parking facilities. He also highlighted forthcoming enhancements, including lake water cleaning, entertainment features like laser shows and water fountains, underscoring the untapped potential of Ward’s Lake as a recreational hub.

Addressing Congestion

Chief Minister Sangma reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing congestion and traffic issues in Shillong. He outlined the master plan to decongest the city by relocating offices to new administrative and knowledge cities, emphasizing the importance of small-scale interventions such as the Mechanised Multi-Level Car Parking project. This project, with an estimated cost of 90 Cr and a capacity of 465 parking spaces, is a significant step towards alleviating parking challenges in the city.

Environmental Restoration

Chief Minister Sangma also announced plans for the comprehensive restoration and beautification of five lakes namely Ward’s Lake, Malse Lake, Nirman Jheel, Memo Lake in Williamnagar and Rangjokram Lake in Resubelpara. The project will include cleaning, development of peripheral infrastructural amenities and facilities and construction of embankment.

Future Prospects

The Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma highlighted ongoing and forthcoming initiatives aimed at the overall decongestion, development, and beautification of Shillong city, signaling a promising future for the region’s urban landscape.