Editor,
As a student at NEHU, I feel compelled to speak out about a decision that’s silently affecting many of us: the early closure of the university library. Recently, due to budget constraints, the administration has withdrawn security personnel and reduced the library’s closing time from 8 PM to 5 PM. This change might seem minor on paper, but for students like me, it has created a serious academic disruption. Most of our classes end around 4:30 PM. That leaves just about half an hour — if that — to access the library. The evenings were the only time we could focus entirely on reading, research, or writing, without the demands of lectures and coursework. With the new schedule, we’ve effectively lost that essential space. What’s even more disheartening is the lack of any effort by the administration to address the issue. No alternative arrangements, no evening access plans, and no consideration for how this affects our academic work.
A university library should be a cornerstone of student learning, not a casualty of budget cuts. We understand that financial challenges exist. But cutting off students from one of the most important academic resources on campus is not the answer. With the whole state of Meghalaya performing poorly in education, for us who had hopes and dreams it had just been taken away – just like that. The NEHU administration should really keep the library open no matter what the difficulties it faces. Other universities had a better closing deadline of up to 10 pm and some are open 24/7. NEHU should really explore different solutions to this problem. For many of us, the library isn’t just a building; it’s a lifeline. I hope those in charge will listen to our concerns and restore extended hours. We are not asking for luxuries — we are simply asking for the space and time to study.
Yours etc.,
A Concerned Student
Name withheld on request
NEHU
Finance Department sleeping on files?
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to express my deep concern and anxiety over the inordinate delay by the Finance Department (A/E), Government of Meghalaya, in sanctioning the gratuity and pension refunds that have already been cleared by the AG and the Shillong South Treasury Office and forwarded to the said department for necessary action since March, last.
It is disheartening to note that, even after a lapse of more than three months, no sanction or refund has been issued by the concerned department, despite sufficient documentary evidence being submitted to show that the pensioners have duly cleared all outstanding government loans. It seems that officials of that department are sleeping on the files. The prolonged delay not only undermines the rights of retired government servants but also disregards their years of dedicated and sincere service to the state.
The pensioners, many of whom are aged and ailing, depend on their rightful dues for medical care and daily sustenance. Delays of this nature cause immense emotional and financial hardship. It is unfortunate that the very individuals who have served the government faithfully are now being neglected at such a critical stage in their lives.
I earnestly urge the concerned authorities in the Finance Department (A/E) to expedite the clearing process without any further delay and ensure that justice is done to those who have given their best in service to the government and the people of Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Via email
Shillong’s Urgent Need for Visionary Urban Reforms
Editor,
The reports and editorials concerning relocation of hawkers, who are of course of desperate, shifted as they are in a place where they would rather not be. The question of livelihood versus development has always been a politically nuanced one.
While one can commend the Government’s recent order to relocate hawkers and acknowledge efforts like the clean-up of Wah Umkhrah (a welcome step toward reclaiming public spaces), these actions remain fragmented, slow-paced and too little too late. The broader urban policy lacks the transformative vision needed to address Shillong’s existential crises: congestion, ecological neglect, and eroding liveability. Some observations are put forth below:
1. Superficial Greening & Eco-Technology Void – The Wah Umkhrah riverfront, though cleaner, is a token effort. There is no integrated plan for greenspaces, urban forests, or eco-technology (e.g., solar-powered streetlights, rainwater harvesting). Cities like Gangtok mandate green roofs; why can’t Shillong?
2. Traffic Paralysis & Absurd Infrastructure Delays – Peak-hour gridlock at Barik Point, Rhino Museum, and Laitumkhrah persist because flyovers remain unbuilt. Worse, no tunnelling options—proven in Alpine cities to connect hills faster while reducing pollution—are even considered. I may be less informed on geologically feasible options, I have seen it being done in Manali and Yamunotri.
3. Zero Sustainable Transport Policy – Taxis and private cars choke our roads. Where is the ring road? Where are pedestrian skywalks? Why no feasibility study for a monorail (like in China’s Chongqing or Swiss Alps towns) or electric buses? Poor infrastructure has led to increase in self-driven vehicles, while in the west a mark of good city is a top-notch timely transport system.
Global Lessons, Local Failure: Indian Hill Stations – Darjeeling’s pedestrian-only Mall Road and Shimla’s heritage tram plan shame Shillong’s inertia. I have seen poorer nations like Sri Lanka restore Kandy’s lakefront with cycle paths; even Tajikistan’s Dushanbe has Soviet-era tunnels easing congestion. Much talk is there about Alps/China these days. They build tunnels through mountains and elevated monorails over valleys. Why can’t Meghalaya?
Iewduh & Beyond: The Stakes – Iewduh’s redevelopment must embed sustainability: waste recycling, green corridors, and multi-modal transit hubs. Without this, it risks becoming another concrete jungle.
Shillong’s Lost Potential : Cities globally thrive by being walkable, green, and business-friendly. Here, pollution scares tourists, choked roads deter investors, and students flee for better-managed cities. If Kandy (Sri Lanka) and Leh (India) can prioritize pedestrian plazas and eco-restoration, why is Shillong—a city with far greater resources—trapped in chaos?
Can we see a Future-Ready Shillong by the public? by taking up say:
1. Tunneling/Flyover Studies for key pinch-points (e.g., Barik to Laitumkhrah).
2. Ring Road + Pedestrian Spine : Car-free zones in Police Bazar, linked to Wah Umkhrah’s walkway.
3. Monorail/Ropeway Feasibility Report : Connect Nongthymmai–Laban–Polo Hills.
4. Mandate Green & Tech: Solar streetlights, vertical gardens, and restored urban streams.
5. Eco-Redevelopment; Integrate Iewduh with cycle lanes, EV charging, and waste-to-energy plants.
6. Create more safe and open spaces for citizens to engage and unwind
Without these, Shillong’s “Scotland of the East” brand will collapse under its own decay. It is hoped that policymakers will adopt global best practices—not piecemeal populism by organising cherry blossoms and music festivals or Christmas lights to take the public for a ride.
Yours etc.,
Dr Salvador Lyngdoh
Shillong
DC’s order flagrantly violated
Editor,
This is to bring to public attention that the District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills, through an order dated June 27, 2025 issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), has prohibited the movement of heavily loaded motor vehicles and night super buses along Mc. Cabe Road. The directive was intended to safeguard public safety and protect both private and public property. Regrettably, the order remains largely unenforced in practice. On a daily basis—particularly during late-night and early morning hours—numerous heavy trucks and night buses continue to ply through the narrow stretch, often resulting in snapped telephone cables, damaged drainage structures, and serious risks to pedestrian and vehicular safety.
As a concerned resident of Mc. Cabe Road, I earnestly urge the District Administration to ensure strict implementation of the Magistrate’s directive in the larger interest of public welfare.
Yours etc.,
D. Bhattacharjee
Shillong- 1