SHILLONG, March 11: As the MDA 2.0 government has been installed, the residents of Shillong are optimistic that it will solve some key issues and problems, including traffic congestion.
P Yobin, a well-known lawyer, said the government must immediately take steps to resolve the ever-rising problem of traffic jam that is making life hell for the residents.
Paramjit Singh, a hotelier, is on the same page. He said some drastic efforts are required to resolve this problem.
“We can decongest Shillong by giving the hawkers a proper market. The pavements would then be free for the pedestrians,” he said.
The headman of Mawbah, David Syiemlieh, said everyone, including students and office-goers, are facing issues due to traffic snarls. He asked the government to take measures to solve the problem.
The residents also want the government to adequately install streetlights in Shillong, tap the state’s mineral and other resources in a scientific manner, review the education system and solve the problems of unemployment and drug abuse.
As the streetlights do not work in some areas, elderly people find it difficult to navigate in the evening.
Yobin asked for how long Meghalaya will depend on the Centre to tap the mineral resources.
“We have to be independent. Meghalaya is a mineral-rich state but we don’t know how to tap it scientifically. If we can tap it scientifically, we will not have to be dependent on the Centre for meeting our requirements,” he said.
Retired IAS officer and activist, Toki Blah, said Shillong cannot depend on the surface roads alone and the government must focus on constructing some underground roads.
He lauded the government for its efforts to decongest Shillong by focusing on New Shillong Township
He called for the review of the education system.
He alleged primary education has been completely ignored in rural areas which hardly have any primary schools. He said this contributes to the problem of dropout which is dangerous.
