SHILLONG: The state Cabinet has approved new names for several roads and localities in the city and a stadium based on the 24 recommendations of the Meghalaya State Names Authorities Committee.
James Sangma said on Friday after the Cabinet meeting that several roads in the city will now have new monikers. The Zigzag Road in Rilbong has been named after former MLA Ardhendu Chaudhuri. Chaudhuri, who was fondly called Babluda, was an NCP MLA when Purno Sangma was the chief minister.
He died in a chopper crash along with nine others on September 22, 2004. In Laban, Howell Road, ADB Road Batti Bazaar and Sylhettipara Road have been rechristened Thranghok J Rangad Road, Roland Lyngdoh Road and Khrep Sing Swer Road, respectively.
Jackson Trace Road in Lower Lumparing will now be called Milanton Kharkongor Road.
The road from Mawlai-Mawroh-Mawkynrew-Umshing—Mawtawar-Nongkyllew-Mawsiatkhnam-Madan Mawkhar under Mawlai constituency will be known as St Mother Theresa Road.
Gordon Bhagyakul locality in Laitumkhrah will now be called Lumtngenjai.
Dikki Bandi now PA Sangma Stadium
In Tura, the Dikki Bandi Stadium, which was initially known as the Tura MP stadium, has been rechristened PA Sangma Stadium after popular leader Purno Sangma.
The stadium has always been at the centre of tussle between former chief minister Mukul Sangma and the Purno Sangma family and has seen frequent name change.
The decision to change the name of the stadium was taken during a Cabinet meeting here on Friday. The home minister told reporters that there was a popular demand to change Dikki Bandi to PA Sangma stadium.
He pointed out that a large part of the money spent on the stadium’s construction was given by late PA Sangma during his tenure as an MP and “the government has acknowledged his contribution”.
Besides, the PWD road starting from Araimile Junction in Tura which connects to the AMPT road has been renamed PA Sangma Road.
The government has also decided that Kynshi-Raishan village will be known as Kynshi village.
