Editor,
It is learnt from reliable sources that eviction notices have been served to tenants and occupants in the MTC (Meghalaya Transport Corporation) premises in Police Bazar, Shillong, to make way for a Rs 200 Crore plus megaproject. These tenants have been running a range of businesses like tea shops, restaurants, hotels, pharmacies and healthcare products etc. Some of the tenants have been doing business from the premises since the time when Shillong was the capital of Assam. As per the tenants the MD of MTC, in one of their meetings, had earlier assured the tenants of re-allocation once the megaproject stands completed but such assurances were only verbal. Also in such meetings the tenants have always made it a point to mention that taking into account the great economic distress common people that include the tenants and their employees, are suffering due to the Covid 19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn, the megaproject may be made in a phased manner making sure that business was not disrupted, much the same way the Polo Market in Polo and the MUDA Complex in Khyndailad were conceptualised and constructed by the Government of Meghalaya. A similar venture is taking shape in the Laitumkhrah Market premises without disrupting the occupants there. However, the Government of Meghalaya seems to have different yardsticks for different citizens and the tenants of MTC, Police Bazar are at the end of that stick. Having been slapped with eviction notices by the District Administration the tenants have now approached the Judiciary for redress. I have not come across any of this being reported in news channels and newspapers of the State.
Now I come to a more pertinent point. Police Bazar is bursting at its seams. It is a huge cauldron of blaring cars, hooting motorcycles and scooters, police personnel chasing around with clamps in their hands, pedestrians trying to push through, hawkers shouting their wares, beggars begging alms, food stalls from where FSSAI authorities will never order food for themselves, open fire tandoors beckoning accidents to happen. Police Bazar is a tinderbox waiting to explode. Thousands of vehicles enter and exit Police Bazar every day. The MUDA parking lot refuses more cars than it can take at any given day. The streets leading to and exiting from this commercial hub witness standstill traffic jams for hours every working day.
In this scenario at Police Bazar the MDA government is hell bent on dumping here a Rs. 200 crore plus behemoth housing massive commercial projects, etc., that probably was earlier earmarked for Barik area which was rightly condemned by the far-sighted populace of the city and its hinterland. Let us face it; Police Bazar cannot take any more load. The Minister of Urban Affairs seems hell bent to fast track this project at MTC come what may. What is his benefit in this matter is anybody’s guess in the context that he is now probably richer than our MP Mr Vincent H Pala as per the observations of our Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong (The Shillong Times, April 27, 2022). For any project of this magnitude the right place is The New Shillong Township. The MTC Property in Police Bazar can be beautifully developed into a Green tree covered Park, like the lungs of Police Bazar where citizens can breathe fresh air whenever they please and for housing the legal hawkers (who otherwise encroach upon the public roads), in aesthetic kiosks, while also accommodating the present tenants in the premises. Walking lanes for the elderly , children parks, outdoor gyms, etc., can also be conceptualised as the area is huge. But please let us not add to the concrete jungle that Police Bazar already is. The financial institutions funding this MDA megaproject at the MTC premises in Police Bazar may please do a detailed environmental and social audit before embarking to disburse the Rs 200 crore plus funds.
We Meghalayans are known for our apathy and therefore easily manipulated by the powers that be. Time and again the Judiciary and the NGOs have come to our rescue. I personally have penned many letters sharing my opinion through this column to mobilise public opinion. Once again, I request our NGOs and the civil society at large to delve deeply as to what impact this behemoth project being thrust down the gullet of Khyndailad will have. Let us ask the questions : Will it solve traffic congestion in the Shillong Sadar Thana area? Will it reduce pollution and carbon footprints? Will it prevent the hawkers from usurping public space? Will it allow free movement of pedestrians in the area? Before embarking into such a project the Government of the day is requested to discuss and interact with all the stake holders in the public forum.
Yours etc.,
Rupert Lyngdoh
Via email
Kudos to the Tympang Club
Editor,
The Tympang Club Jowai deserves commendation for the excellent job done on clearing the footpaths in Iawmusiang, which the vegetable vendors were occupying. The Jowai Municipal Board from time to time announced that vendors should vacate the pavement yet they failed to obey the orders. Fortunately, now we see a spacious Iawmusiang, which is a good sight to look at. This commendable job done by the Tympang Club needs to be appreciated. I am sure this will not have a temporary effect. The question now arises about the supposed market which had been constructed and which is not even half done. I call it “Ka Lano Iaw”. The foundation stone had been laid a long time ago but it remains incomplete till date. People of Jowai are being fooled by the JHADC. This reminds us that before every election, politicians promise that this market located at the old market would be completed. Instead, all we can see are bushes growing inside the supposed market. Where is the money allotted for the purpose? The vendors too are complacent enough to sell their goods adjacent to these bushes.
Meanwhile, it may be mentioned that the excellent job of clearing the footpath was done following the successful bandh called by the Tympang Club in clearing the garbage dumps at Jowai town amidst the inability of our Administration to clear the garbage.
Yours etc.,
Omarka Laloo,
Mynthong, Jowai