By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 14: The KHADC has decided to take some major steps to make Iewduh, Meghalaya’s largest traditional market, clean besides ensuring the safety and security of the market and localities adjoining it.
The decision was taken during the meeting of the special committee headed by KHADC’s Chief Executive Member, Pyniaid Sing Syiem here on Thursday.
The other members of the committee included Carness Sohshang and Grace Mary Kharpuri, the two executive members in charge of Development and Market, representatives from the district administration, Hima Mylliem and Rangbah Shnongs concerned (Qualapatty, Mission Compound, Mawkhar, Umsohsun, Wahingdoh, Wahthapbru and Riatsamthiah).
Syiem told reporters that they have received a number of suggestions from the members of the committee.
“We have decided that the Executive Committee will reserve special funds for the construction of more public toilets at Iewduh and renovate the existing toilets,” he said, adding that the council will also undertake the repairing of the footpaths and by-lanes in and around the market.
Syiem said the council would earmark funds for purchasing solar streetlights to be installed over the footpaths at Iewduh and in the adjoining localities.
He said the office of the Hima Mylliem and the Rangbah Shnongs would be entrusted with identifying the spots for installing the solar streetlights.
“We have also decided to install solar streetlights at a few strategic locations such as Jeep Stand where miscreants gather at night,” he said.
Syiem also said CCTV cameras would be installed in the Iewduh market and also in the adjoining localities.
Among the other decisions taken were stopping illegal settlers and illegal activities in Iewduh, and closing all illegal liquor shops, and illegal gambling.
“We have also decided to set up entry gates to Iewduh to ensure people do not litter the market at night. The EM in charge of the market and the Hima Mylliem will identify the areas for setting up entry gates,” he said.
Funds for the proposals would be earmarked through the 15th Finance Commission, Syiem said.
Former IPS officer Mariahom Kharkrang, a member of the committee, said there is a need for close coordination among the Syiem of Mylliem, the Cantonment Beat House and Lumdiengjri police station to check all the illegal activities including drugs in Iewduh and its adjoining localities.
“I am sure there is going to be better coordination following the intervention of this special committee,” he said.
