By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Is Lady Veronica Lane the dirtiest lane in the city? According to its residents it is. This high-sounding name belies its real condition said its residents. The lane is in shambles. Waste is dumped by the road side. The condition is worse near the Laitumkhrah Municipal Market where cars are parked. Here the rains have damaged the road beyond repair. Leaked pipes spilling out water 24×7 add to the plight of pedestrians.
Residents staying along the Lady Veronica Lane complain that their movement is hampered by the careless parking of vehicles, sometimes double parking.
As one enters Lady Veronica Lane from the municipal market the stench from the half covered drain is unbearable. Yet this Lane also houses some of the leading institutions such as the Bethany Society, a school for the disabled, the Bansara Eye Care centre, Mary Rice Centre, government offices and private residences including that of the former Rajya Sabha MP from Shillong.Residents complain that a heavy shower fills up the drain and results in overflowing. “Water from the drain entered most of the houses here during the monsoon months,” said an irate resident. Others said they had to employ sweepers to clean the rubbish that came in with the flooded drain. “Why is the drain not covered fully,” questioned a resident.
Bethany Society and nearby houses have to bear the stench of sewage.
Laitumkhrah MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh said she had visited the place several times and de-silted the drain thrice.
“The reason for the flash flood near the municipal market is due to blockages underneath. There are three culverts and the PWD is trying to locate the leakages there, causing flash floods. The PWD has a plan to repair that road and I am trying to come out with a permanent solution,” said the MLA adding that the lane is in a mess now. The MLA said repair work cannot be taken up now due to the ongoing examination session. “We are waiting for the school vacations to begin in order to resume work,” said the MLA adding that the PWD is working hard. She explained that the condition of the area has worsened because there is no proper drainage system even within the municipal market and the number of buildings has also increased.