By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: There are a host of issues and projects which are likely to spill over to be tackled by the next Government since the time is too short for any solution during the current term of Congress led MUA.
Border talks, introduction of ILP, beautification of Kyndailad, four-laning of Jorabat-Umiam, construction of Nongstoin-Tura road, inauguration of Shillong by pass, construction of new Assembly building, handing over of defence land to civil authorities, ensuring full man power and infrastructure to the newly formed four districts, solution to the dialogue with ANVC, under ceasefire since 2004, expansion of Umroi airport, making the Baljek airport functional and Mawlai abattoir project among others.
Though there was enthusiasm on the part of State Government to find solution to the border problem with Assam once and for all soon after the Langpih firing episode of May 2010, there has not been much breakthrough with the Assam Government still examining the documents related to the disputed village as submitted by Meghalaya.
There was also euphoria over the announcement of four districts at one go by the Chief Minister this year and some amount was also earmarked for the initial expenditure of the districts. A senior Government official said a committee had been constituted to examine the matter of setting up offices of various departments in all the new districts.
But, beyond the appointment of DCs and SPs for these districts, other government departments are yet to be established due to fund constraints.
Though a High Level Committee on influx has recommended introduction of ILP in the State, the process will take a long time as the matter would again go to the State Cabinet and subsequently to Centre for consideration.
Besides the much delayed Shillong by pass, other major road projects of the Centre which are pending include four-laning of Jorabat-Umiam road and construction of Nongstoin-Tura road.
The Nongstoin-Tura road project aimed at creating an alternate route to Garo Hills other than the present route via Assam.
While the beautification of Kyndailad is going on at a slow pace despite the Government’s assurance to complete it at the earliest, it will take years to construct a new Assembly building as the selected Tara Ghar site is under court scanner after a PIL was filed against the construction.
There is also uncertainty in aviation sector as the Baljek airport has remained non-functional.
Moreover, the Alliance Air has conveyed to North Eastern Council (NEC) that it will halt its operations from Umroi due to the pending dues which compelled both the NEC and Meghalaya Government to invite private players to operate from the airport.
There was much debate on the issue of handing over of unused defence land to the civil authorities in the just concluded Winter session of the Assembly. The process may also take some time.
The Government has also delayed finding solution to the demand of militant outfit, ANVC which called for the constitution of Garoland Autonomous Council. Had the Government solved the grievances of ANVC, the birth of other splinter groups like ANVC(B) and GNLA, currently active in Garo Hills, could have been prevented.
