By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 31: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who is also in charge of Urban Affairs department, on Friday said the residents of Shillong will get to see a new Police Bazar in one year’s time.
The statement has reference to the construction of the Shillong Business-cum-Tourism centre, which is coming up on the premises of old MTC building, as well as some other projects. The construction of the Business-cum-Tourism centre is expected to be completed in a year’s time.
“This is one of the prime projects in Shillong and people will see a new Police Bazar in one year,” Dhar said confidently.
He also said that the project is being implemented under Shillong Smart City at a cost of Rs 216 crore.
Asked about the project’s features, he said the state government has not yet decided anything on the setup in the multicomplex. The outlets will be decided after the completion of the building, he added.
The minister said the government can either go for a mall or a convention centre at the location. As per the detailed project report, 40-50 vehicles can be parked at a time in the building but he is optimistic that a bigger number of vehicles could be parked.
The government will lease out the property to anyone who can generate substantial revenue for the state government, Dhar said.
He assured that the outlets or the centres will be allotted through a transparent process. The expected date of completion of the project is March 31, 2025.
The minister said the commercial market complex projects at Laitumkhrah and Polo are on the verge of completion and the government has plans to inaugurate them in June-July.
He, however, said the completion of work for other projects like parking lots will take some more time.
He defended the delay in the relocation of the hawkers from the Police Bazar area. He said the process is taking time as the government is making efforts to give the hawkers a good place to do business.
“We are looking at 3 to 4 places. We will not throw them but give them a good place,” he said, adding that the government is consulting the stakeholders for proper relocation of the registered hawkers.
Earlier, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh had claimed that the Town Vending Committees are almost done with the identification process of the hawkers and the only thing left is the allotment of stalls, which will be taken care of by the Shillong Municipal Board within June.