SHILLONG: The State Government is planning to build a ‘Times Square-like’ structure at the proposed shopping complex at Polo Market.
Informing this here on Wednesday, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that the State Government was planning to bring a major change to the whole area by constructing a structure which would be similar to the Times Square in New York.
Times Square, the most bustling square of New York, is known for its many broadway theatres, cinemas and electronic billboards. It is one of those places that make New York a city that never sleeps.
The Chief Minister also stressed on restoration of the past of glory of Umkhrah River situated adjacent the Polo market.
“We would want to build one of the best structures conforming to the world standard. The project will be a landmark for all those people who will be visiting the State,” the Chief Minister told newsmen after inspecting the Polo market area along with his some cabinet colleagues.
Referring to the Times Square proposal, Sangma said ‘No doubt it is an ambitious project of the Government”. The construction work would be completed within next three years, he said adding that the government was also negotiating with some landowners for acquisition of land for the project.
The National Buildings Construction Company is the implementing agency for the project.
The NBCC would have to float a tender to invite bidders for construction of the new market complex.
The Umkhrah River, which passes through the area, has been facing the problem of encroachment for the past many decades. To address this problem, the Chief Minister assured that the sewerage system would be executed and at the same time the Government would rehabilitate the encroachers.
The issue of eviction of illegal settlers along the Umkhrah is still pending in court.