By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 10: The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC) has urged the state government to stop using Ward’s Lake for official functions and events, asserting that the practice deprives citizens of one of the city’s few remaining open public spaces.
MPMC president Joplyn Scott Shylla stated that Ward’s Lake is a vital shared space for walking and relaxation, particularly for women, senior citizens, and daily morning walkers. She questioned the government’s reliance on the lake for official programmes, arguing that public spaces should be preserved for community well-being rather than administrative convenience or political visibility.
Shylla noted that Shillong is already grappling with poor urban planning and traffic congestion, making accessible green spaces even more essential. “Instead of protecting the limited open spaces available, the government seems intent on turning Ward’s Lake into a controlled, event-driven zone,” she said.
The MPMC demanded that official functions be shifted to designated venues and called for public consultation before any decisions are made that alter the character or use of shared public spaces.
