Editor,
I am writing in response to Mr. Toki Blah’s impassioned letter regarding the rumoured dismantling of the English Service Church at Police Bazar. While Mr. Blah begins with a disclaimer that his fears are based on hearsay, history in Shillong has taught us that rumours of demolition are often just the prelude to the arrival of bulldozers.
But frankly, I wonder what all the fuss is about. If recent magical disappearing acts with funds in our local religious circles are anything to go by, the line between a “House of Prayer” and a “Den of Thieves” has been blurry for a while now.
I find myself asking, is there really a difference between a church and a mall? I mean conceptually, a church and a mall are both franchises in the business of selling hope to people who feel empty. You go to one to buy insurance for the afterlife, and the other to buy distractions for this life. The only real difference is that in a mall, when you pay for something, you actually get to take it home in a bag.
So, if they do knock down the old building to put up a concrete monstrosity, we shouldn’t view it as a betrayal. We have worshipped the Almighty Rupee for so long in Shillong, it is only polite to finally build it a proper temple…..
Yours etc.,
Ellerine Diengdoh,
Via email
Overcharging at MUDA Complex Public Parking Lot
Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of readers and the concerned authorities to an incident of arbitrary overcharging at the MUDA Complex parking lot in Shillong, which raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in public parking management.
Recently, I parked my two-wheeler at the said parking facility for approximately thirty minutes. As per the rate clearly mentioned on the parking slip, the charge for a two-wheeler is Rs 10 per hour. However, I was charged Rs 20. When I pointed out the discrepancy and referred to the printed rate on the slip, the counter staff dismissed the written rate, stating that it was “just Rs 10 more.” Following this, the counter staff angrily remarked “I will increase the fee to Rs 30 in the coming days.”
What is particularly troubling is that on an earlier occasion, despite parking the vehicle for nearly fifty-five minutes, charges for more than one hour were applied, thereby suggesting manipulation of parking time to suit arbitrary charges. Such practices indicate that the issue is not an isolated error but a pattern of discretionary and non-transparent fee collection.
Public parking facilities are meant to function on clearly defined and prominently displayed rates. When written rates are ignored and charges are altered verbally, it undermines public trust and places citizens in an uncomfortable position of having to argue over small amounts, which many may choose to avoid.
It is therefore hoped that the concerned authorities will take note of this matter, ensure strict enforcement of the approved parking rates, and put in place effective monitoring mechanisms at public parking facilities so that citizens are not subjected to arbitrary charges.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Four Lanes & Flyovers an Immediate Need
Editor,
I recently came across news that the new bridge at Umiam will soon be made functional for buses and other heavy vehicles. This is a welcome development, especially considering that the approval and construction process moved at a commendable pace.
However, this announcement also raises serious concerns regarding the present condition of the road from the Umiam bridge to Shillong. The stretch is in a pathetic state, marked by numerous bumps and uneven surfaces, making travel extremely uncomfortable. At a time when our state is frequently hosting national and international artistes and dignitaries, one wonders whether the administration wants such renowned visitors to experience these road conditions.
Another important issue is traffic management. Is there any concrete protocol or plan in place to regulate or ease traffic once heavy vehicles and buses start plying from Umiam towards ISBT and beyond? Without proper planning, this could further worsen the already existing congestion.
It is also surprising that no serious steps have been taken to construct a flyover at the ISBT junction. The location is ideal and favourable for such an intervention. Daily traffic snarls and repeated congestion at this junction clearly indicate the urgent need for long-term infrastructure solutions.
Furthermore, I believe, the general public, strongly request that a four-lane road be developed, wherever feasible, from the Umroi junction below the flyover up to Mawlai at the earliest. This would significantly ease traffic congestion and ensure smoother movement of vehicles.
I sincerely request the concerned authorities not to turn a blind eye to these pressing issues. Time waits for none, and we all aspire for smooth, safe, and traffic-free roads wherever possible.
Yours etc.,
B.Laitphlang,
Via email
