Whose duty is it to repair broken by-lanes and locality roads?
Shillong is romanticised by visitors for its misty hills, cool climes and colonial charm. Yet, for residents navigating its narrow by-lanes and congested locality roads, the reality is far less romantic. Potholes, crumbling edges, water-logged drains, and monsoon-ravaged stretches in most parts of the city have become perennial hazards. But whose duty is it to fix these broken roads?
Legally, the answer is clear. The Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) bears primary responsibility. The SMB website explicitly lists “maintenance of footpaths, lanes, by-lanes, drainage system” as a core civic service.
In practice, however, the picture is more complex. The PWD intervenes on major city roads or when the state government sanctions special funds—such as the recent Rs 45-crore allocation for re-carpeting key stretches, which seems to have taken a break after the initial euphoria.
PWD handles state highways, major district roads, and certain arterial corridors passing through Shillong. This occasional overlap sometimes blurs accountability. A damaged by-lane in a residential colony is SMB’s mandate; a pot-holed stretch on a PWD-classified road falls under the department’s purview. The distinction, though technical, frequently leaves citizens confused about whom to approach.
Limited municipal revenue, rapid urbanisation, heavy rainfall, and increasing vehicular load strain resources. Many by-lanes were never designed for today’s traffic. In such a scenario, coordination between SMB, PWD, and the Urban Affairs Department is crucial.
Regardless of administrative red tape, authorities must prioritise timely patching, proper drainage, and preventive maintenance. Only then can the city’s by-lanes become safe pathways rather than daily ordeals.
Scorpions concert snub feels personal for Shillong
The cancellation of the much-anticipated Scorpions concert in Shillong has sparked a wave of disappointment, frustration and reflection across social media, revealing just how deeply the event had resonated with the city’s cultural pulse.
For many in Shillong—often dubbed ‘India’s Rock Capital’—the concert wasn’t just another event; it was a moment of validation. Netizens expressed heartbreak over missed once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, with fans sharing stories of long-awaited plans, saved allowances and even travel arrangements made weeks in advance. “This was more than a concert, it was history coming to our doorstep,” wrote one user, capturing a widely shared sentiment.
Others voiced anger and confusion, demanding transparency from organizers. Questions around logistics, planning lapses, and last-minute communication dominated online discussions. Some users criticised what they called a recurring pattern of mismanagement when it comes to large-scale events in the region.
Yet amid the disappointment, there was also a quieter, more introspective tone. Several residents pointed out that Shillong’s love for music remains undeterred, urging the community to channel this setback into stronger support for local artists and better infrastructure for future events.
The emotional aftermath underscores a deeper truth: in Shillong, music is not just entertainment—it is identity. And when a global act like Scorpions cancels, it feels personal.
