SHILLONG: As Meghalaya Government contemplates to build a multi-storied mall at the iconic PWD complex at Barik point here, senior Congress Legislator, Charles Pyngrope has expressed himself strongly against the idea and instead pitched for creation of “pockets of lungs” for the Capital.
The former Speaker’s statement came in the wake of reports that the state government had changed the original idea of remodelling the prime land at Barik point into an eco-friendly heritage site and in lieu go for a prototype of Delhi’s famous Saket Mall.
“Shillong should not be made the Manhattan of the east and we have the opportunity to control it,” Pyngrope, who has given special attention to the idea of protecting greenery in his privately owned Windermere Estate, said.
Asking the government to re-think on its decision, Pyngrope said that it would have been much better if a park was created which would be lungs for the city and also provide green space for the people”.
When pointed out that the shopping complex was also aimed at generating employment, Pyngrope reasoned that in today’s world, online shopping is the trend and many shopping complexes across the country have closed down and therefore the idea of creating a concrete jungle should not happen.
“One will have to weigh the pros and cons and there are many avenues to create jobs like IT sectors tourism, horticulture and agriculture and with that employment can be generated,” he added.
There is one lakh sq ft of land which was all set to turn into a bio-reserve retaining all of the old Shillong look, as was planned by the previous government. Architects were engaged, models were approved and tendering process had begun. Suddenly there was change in decision.
The state government now wants the prime location be turned into a shopping mall and the ostensible justification is that the space will generate income for the cash-starved government.