SHILLONG: The Urban Affairs Department has proposed skywalks in some parts of the city to ease traffic congestion even as Minister Hamlet Dohling has said consent from other government departments is needed.
“We want to bring many new projects. We are trying to have talks with different departments to acquire land for offices and expect to come up with a skywalk say from Barik Point to Police Bazaar or Barik Point to Secretariat or Lachumiere,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
According to Dohling, the idea of skywalk will materialise if different departments agree. The minister said skywalks will ease the problem of pedestrians.
“It is not easy but we have to work it out to get the consent from other departments and take up with the central government for assistance,” Dohling said as he put emphasis on a long-term solution to traffic congestion.
“Will meet other department officials to work this out and give their feedback in the next meeting headed by the chief minister,” he said, adding, “There has to be a collective responsibility to ease the problem and only our department will not be able to do it.”
Damage to litter bins
Asked on the damage to litter bins in some parts of the city, Dohling called for a joint effort by the public to cooperate with the government in keeping the city clean.
“There has to be a joint effort by the people to take care of public property,” he said. However, he mentioned that he has not received any complaints so far and will replace the damaged ones.
Dohling asserted that those who indulge in damaging public property will be dealt with strictly and punitive actions will be taken.