By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A short documentary shot in the city, to initiate a campaign against the demolition of Tara Ghar, was presented by a group of youth under the banner, ‘Youth4 Change’, during a workshop on journalism held here on Thursday.
The campaign launched in May 2011, attempted to garner public opinion on the Government’s decision to bring down Tara Ghar for a new assembly building.
Airing their views, students from various educational institutes of the city among others condemned the decision outright while reasoning that the structure had historical importance and was a heritage building for the city.
“We can’t destroy a heritage site for building another assembly,” said a student from St. Edmund’s College.
It may be mentioned that replacing Tara Ghar would also lead to the felling of sizeable number of trees in the area.
“The government does not care for the environment,” echoed another student from a city college.
Many were of the view that though development was important, it was equally necessary to seek public opinion on issues such as the one at hand.
While some questioned the need for an assembly building in the area concerned others quoted it as “another money-making avenue for a few people with vested interests.”
It was interesting to note the concern of tourists visiting Shillong, when apprised with the proposed developments around the scenic Tara Ghar area.
“We come to Shillong for its scenic beauty and pollution free environment. Destroying the greenery would nullify the very essence of the hill station,” said a visitor from Assam.
“Old buildings should be preserved,” said a tourist from Nagaland.
Meanwhile, a visitor from Kolkata observed that too much construction would upset the demography of the place. He said it was important to have an ecological plan for the city.
Youth4Change comprising thinking young professionals and students have been carrying out a campaign against construction of the new Assembly building at Tara Ghar a heritage site. They have been active through social media networks like Facebook etc.