HC directs state govt to upload parking info to online portal
SHILLONG, March 10: The High Court of Meghalaya has directed the state government to upload all information regarding on-street and no-parking zones in the Sardar, Pasteur and Cantonment areas to its online portal for public access. The division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh issued the directive after reviewing an affidavit filed by Urban Affairs Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar D. The document outlined ongoing efforts to streamline traffic, regulate taxi parking and identify new parking areas through stakeholder consultations. The government has launched an online portal (https://invest.meghalaya.gov.in/) to facilitate off-street parking facilities on private land. The court was also informed that Shillong Smart City Limited is executing seven projects for the construction of multi-level car parking (MLCP) and the revamping of existing lots. Of these seven projects, two have been completed: a commercial complex at Polo with 86 parking spaces and a mechanised MLCP at Vivekananda Road near the Additional Secretariat with 58 spaces. Meanwhile, the bench observed that the government is taking steps to ease congestion and expected the parking charts to be made available online before the next date of hearing. During the hearing, senior counsel for the petitioner alleged that unauthorised individuals are collecting parking fees on public roads in certain areas without issuing receipts. The petitioner has been granted time to file an affidavit regarding these claims. The matter has been posted for further hearing on April 7.
Thunderstorm warning for Meghalaya over next 5 days
SHILLONG, March 10: The Meteorological Centre in Shillong has issued a five-day weather warning for Meghalaya, forecasting thunderstorms and lightning across several parts of the state starting Tuesday. According to the advisory, western districts, particularly in the Garo Hills region, will be the first to experience thunderstorm activity. West Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, and adjoining areas are expected to see lightning during the initial phase of the forecast period. From March 11 to March 14, the warning expands to include most districts across the state, including the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Authorities have classified the alerts under “watch” and “alert” levels, urging residents to remain vigilant. Officials stated the warnings are intended to help the public and local authorities take precautionary measures in areas prone to heavy rain and lightning. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid open areas during thunderstorm activity.
MCCL staff urge govt to expedite release of remaining dues
SHILLONG, March 10: The Mawmluh Cherra Cements Employees’ Union (MCCEU) on Tuesday urged the state government to expedite the release of the remaining dues to employees of Mawmluh Cherra Cements Limited (MCCL). MCCEU president Pynskhem Lyngdoh, while speaking to reporters, said that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, during the recently concluded budget session, had informed the Assembly that the payment meant for MCCL workers had already been processed. Lyngdoh stated that the union had earlier submitted a letter to the chief minister on December 3, requesting the release of the pending amount within the current year. He noted that the chief minister’s statement in the Assembly had given the workers hope that the dues would be disbursed soon. “We are hopeful that the payment will be released within this month or, at the latest, by the first week of April,” he said. Appealing to the authorities to ensure the timely release of the funds, Lyngdoh pointed out that many workers have been waiting for the payment for a long time. He added that once the dues are cleared, the employees would be able to move forward and focus on rebuilding their livelihoods. Meanwhile, the union’s general secretary, Arnold Thabah, also urged the government to expedite the release of the remaining funds, observing that the pending amount constitutes the final instalment due to the workers. Thabah also expressed gratitude to the government for the assistance provided so far. According to him, several MCCL workers have utilised the earlier payments to construct houses, start small businesses, and pursue other livelihood initiatives.
