Editor,
We are made aware at every opportunity of the importance of our environment, and the initiatives the Government is taking every day to safeguard our environment. However, the upgradation of the road from Golf Links, Mawroh to the ISBT has created an opportunity for illegal dumping of soil from anywhere. An opening in the boundary wall of the road has resulted in trucks dumping soil throughout the day and even at night in the forest, thereby suffocating and killing the standing trees. I call upon concerned citizens and organisations to take up this issue with the State authorities. We should all join hands to save one of the few last remaining patches of green cover in our city.
Yours etc.,
Dr. Sandi Syiem,
SANKER Nursing Home
Via email
Traffic policing disaster
Editor,
A drive that should at most culminate within 1.5 hours from Shillong to Jowai, however can take up to 3 hours thanks to the “no-action with empty promises” by the state PWD to repair this vital highway. In all of this is the hype of a ten billion dollar dream that should be connected to a fast moving economic corridor but now lies in abject chaos. A truck turned turtle on Saturday morning leaving commuters and transporters stuck for over 6 hours. It took longer for someone to take control of the situation. The highway patrol cars with their traffic cops were ‘ invisible ‘ at critical junctions. But the most abominable part is the pathetic attitude of the State Government which is dragging its feet in repairing the entire highway. How can a State move forward when the highways are in a sorry state and basic regulations are absent. If critical infrastructure is not adequately developed then everything would come to a standstill. But will the State Government authorities ever address this? And when? As usual it will be a cosmetic repair before elections and six months down the line the roads are in an abysmal situation. Do we have to approach the courts for everything under the ambit of governance.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar,
Via email
Orwellian state
Editor,
Today, George Orwell’s 1984 resonates louder than ever. This novel struck a chord against the rising powers of totalitarianism. Meghalaya’s Communication Policy 2024 does have its own pros and cons. This aspect was recently debated at the 1st Media meet, organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, in an effort to understand if the Policy would lead to a dystopian future? Indeed, the rise of influencers and self-styled journalists is increasing and news and content is being created at a frenetic pace, enabling us to get information on our smartphones even before we can digest one piece of news. Sadly what we call news also includes fake reports and analyses. The trouble afflicting this state is the lack of dialogue and open forum discussions on whether such policies can be held to standards of accountability. Overall, we do not have an oversight committee to red flag what’s wrong with news dissemination which is now happening with big corporate houses tightening their grip on media organisations. In 2024, as per the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) India stood at a dismal 159 out of 180 countries. This also reflects our collective failure to understand why media freedom is important for a progressive society. Additionally, years ago, the government set up a Centralised Monitoring System (CMS) to strengthen the national security structure of the country. The CMS could monitor text messages, social-media engagement, phone calls on landlines and mobile phones. The book, ‘Pegasus: The Story of the World’s Most Dangerous Spyware’ by Laurent Richard and Sandrine Rigaud reflects on how strong cyber-surveillance tools could sometimes be detrimental to democracy and human rights.
Yours etc.,
Christopher Gatphoh,
Shillong-10
Urgent reforms needed to prevent misuse & ensure fair access
Editor,
The Nongpoh Town Shopping Complex in Nongpoh, constructed under the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA), and the Polo Market Complex in Shillong, under the Shillong Municipal Board, were envisioned to provide local entrepreneurs with affordable commercial spaces and to invigorate local commerce. Unfortunately, both these complexes have failed to live up to expectations. Despite being completed long ago, a significant number of shops remain vacant. Even more troubling is the discovery that many of these shops have been “booked” by individuals with political connections or influence, yet remain unopened and unused, causing harm to both the local markets and aspiring business owners.
This situation reflects not just mismanagement but also a systemic failure to fulfil the promises of economic development and inclusivity for the people. Shopkeepers currently operating in the Nongpoh and Polo complexes have voiced their concerns, stating that the empty shops surrounding their businesses create a lifeless environment, affecting footfalls and their ability to sustain themselves. Furthermore, potential applicants eager to open shops in these locations are unable to do so, as many of these spaces have already been “occupied” on paper by those with higher-level connections, yet remain untouched.
This practice of booking shops without utilizing them is both unethical and unjust. MUDA, the Shillong Municipal Board, and the Government of Meghalaya should have introduced strict rules and regulations to prevent such exploitation. A key regulation that must be enforced is the automatic cancellation of bookings for shops that remain unopened and unused for a specified period. These spaces should then be reallocated to individuals who genuinely want to establish and operate businesses, particularly those from the common public who are struggling to find opportunities to earn a livelihood.
Allowing these public assets to remain under-utilized or monopolized by a select few is a gross misuse of resources and a betrayal of the very purpose for which these complexes were constructed. These shopping complexes were built to serve the people, promote local businesses, and create jobs—not to become private holdings for the well-connected.
The MUDA and SMB must take immediate corrective action. A thorough review should be conducted of all shops in these complexes that remain unused for extended periods, and those bookings should be cancelled. Transparent and fair processes must be introduced to ensure that deserving entrepreneurs and business owners—especially those who lack political connections—can access these spaces and contribute to the local economy.
The Government must also step in to ensure that such rules are enforced and that public assets are utilized effectively. Failure to act will not only continue to suppress economic growth but will also foster public mistrust in both the authorities and the system. The Nongpoh Town Shopping Complex and Polo Market can either be examples of progress or symbols of corruption and inefficiency, depending on whether action is taken.
Now is the time for MUDA, the SMB and the Government of Meghalaya to act decisively. Public resources must be used for the greater good, and real opportunities for economic empowerment must be made available to all—not just the privileged few.
Yours etc.,
W. Khymdeit,
Shillong