Beautification work: Govt clears air on immersion ghat barricade

SHILLONG, Jan 16: The barricading of the immersion ghat at Polo, which sparked initial outrage among Shillong residents, has been clarified by authorities as part of a river rejuvenation and beautification project. The project, aimed at restoring and enhancing the riverbanks, inadvertently led to concerns within the Hindu community, which has traditionally used the site for idol immersion and other religious rituals.
According to officials from the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), the temporary barricading was necessary for the ongoing beautification work. They assured that the immersion ghat would remain unaffected and would be fully restored for religious activities before the next Durga Puja. The matter came to light after community members raised questions about the sudden barricading, alleging that it was carried out without prior notice or consultation. Sources revealed that the land housing the immersion ghat belongs to a private owner who had allowed its exclusive use for Hindu religious purposes.
In response, the Central Puja Committee has clarified that they met the district administration authorities and were assured that it was a part of the rejuvenation project.
During the discussions, officials acknowledged a lapse in communication and emphasised that the barricading was part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate the river and improve its surrounding areas. They assured CPC representatives that the immersion ghat would not be disturbed and that idol immersions would be accommodated throughout the project.
The officials assured the CPC that a gate would be installed to allow access for religious rituals during the project. The CPC has also been granted responsibility for managing the gate.