SHILLONG: Iewduh, the traditional market place flocked by thousands from the city and far-flung areas every day, will undergo a makeover but not without crossing a few hurdles in the form of congestion and sanitation.
Congestion in the narrow intersecting lanes and bylanes of Iewduh poses a major dilemma for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Hima Mylliem.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, the KHADC Executive Member in-charge of market, Hadrian Lyngdoh, said, “At present, there is no alternative solution for congestion.”
He added that it is difficult as people occupy whatever space they get and most people throng Iewduh for doing business that adds to the congestion.
Meanwhile, echoing the views of Lyngdoh, Myntri of Hima Mylliem in-charge of market C. Kharkongor said 4-5 Myntris are looking at the problem of congestion. He admitted that it has become difficult to deal with.
Stating that the Myntris would advise the shopkeepers to set aside space for walking, Kharkongor expressed concern that vendors cannot be driven out as Iewduh is looked upon as the source of livelihood of the Khasi and Jaintia people.
“But again we have no choice as Iewduh is looked upon as the ‘rice plate of the people’- a place where they get to eke out a living. We cannot ask them to leave but we will tell them to be responsible,” he added.
The enforcement wing of the Hima Mylliem looks after the market’s security and cleanliness.
As for the protruding pipes which create hurdles while walking, Kharkongor said the matter has been taken up with the Shillong Municipal Board and the chief secretary.
Regarding the sanitation of the traditional market, Lyngdoh said it has improved from what it was in previous years. He said, “There is a plan to improve the condition of Iew Mawlong by constructing better toilet facilities and parking space.”
Sanitation
On the other hand, Kharkongor blamed the irresponsibility of the people by indiscriminately throwing waste like rotten vegetables from their shops which piles up in heaps of filth emanating foul smell.
Kharkongor said a major portion of the Hima’s finances go into managing the sanitation at Iewduh and informed that over 50 sweepers are employed by the Hima Mylliem.
“We will issue an order in which a notice will be served to all shopkeepers to collect their garbage in a bag which will be duly collected by cleaners,” he added.
He informed that over 50 sweepers are employed by the Hima Mylliem.
Entrance beautification
Highlighting the various aspects of renovation of Iewduh, Lyngdoh said, “To beautify the market, entrances will be constructed at Motphran, Sohra Stand and Jeep Stand. Tender has been called in and construction will start after the allotment.”
He added that Rs 51 lakh has been estimated for the construction of the three entrances. The finance has been earmarked under the special assistance scheme of 2015-16.
Last year, the media had reported that certain amount from the Rs 133 crore Special Central Assistance will be used by the Council for renovation of Iewduh.
The traditional market was inspected by Urban Affairs Minister Ronnie Lyngdoh followed by chief minister Mukul Sangma and the then Governor V. Shanmuganathan.
