MLA meets Sitharaman, seeks transfer of Garrison Ground

SHILLONG: South Shillong legislator Sanbor Shullai along with the members of the Shillong Cantonment Area Development Committee met Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at her Parliament House office in New Delhi on Friday and demanded transfer of Garrison Ground and unutilised defence land.
They also handed over a memorandum pertaining to other grievances faced by the residents of Shillong Cantonment areas as recommended by the office of the chief minister.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Shillong Cantonment Area Development Committee, the MLA and the members of the Committee discussed several issues with the defence minister, including the need to transfer Garrison Ground (Kyrkit Laban) to the State Sports Department to utilise it for the upcoming National Game 2022, which will be hosted by Meghalaya.
The team sought allotment of unutilised defence land for construction of community hall, parking lots, public toilets and children’s park and other development activities.
Other issues raised by the MLA include fund allocation to the Shillong Cantonment Board and upgradation of Shillong Cantonment Hospital.
The delegation also requested for upgradation of Shillong Cantonment UP School, which was established in 1947, to higher secondary CBSE level.
The delegation sought approval for revised Shillong Cantonment Board Building by-laws from two-storied to four storied on a par with the state building by-laws.
Another demand is to accord sanction for additional water supply scheme under cantonment area.
The statement said the defence minister assured to look into the points raised and refer the same to the department concerned for examination. She also assured to invite the committee to the next meeting.