Editor,
Shillong has long been celebrated for its quiet charm—its rolling greens, pine-scented air, and tranquil waters that once offered both residents and visitors a refuge from the rush of life. Among its most cherished landmarks, Ward’s Lake stands as a reminder of a time when even colonial planners recognized the value of preserving nature as a space for reflection and relaxation. Today, however, that legacy is under threat.
As a regular morning jogger, I find Nan Palok a place where tension and anxiety ease due to its natural beauty, accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds and the occasional sight of squirrels crossing the path.
What was once a picturesque haven is increasingly being overshadowed by unchecked commercial interests. The serenity of Ward’s Lake, the gentle breeze, the lush green surroundings, and the sense of calm are slowly being replaced by developments that prioritize profit over preservation. This is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it is a question of ecological balance, cultural identity, and civic responsibility.
In this context, the demand raised by Bah Toki Blah, a respected voice in the community, to restore and protect the remaining green spaces around Ward’s Lake is both timely and justified. His call is not radical, it is reasonable, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine concern for the city’s future. It is a demand that deserves widespread public support. Left unchecked, it risks becoming yet another environmental casualty like Wah Umkhrah. The consequences are clear: loss of biodiversity, declining air quality, and the steady disappearance of spaces that define Shillong’s character. More critically, future generations stand to inherit a city stripped of its natural soul.
Encouragingly, we recently witnessed the Green Tech Foundation take a firm stand in safeguarding natural heritage by helping scrap the proposed long-term sell-out of Lumpongdeng at Umiam Lake. Their intervention serves as a powerful example of how collective action can protect what is irreplaceable. It is now imperative that similar attention be directed toward Nan Palok.
Nan Palok, once a proud green patch within Shillong, has undergone a troubling transformation. Where greenery once thrived, makeshift structures with tarpaulin roofs and plywood floors now stand. Its natural beauty has been eroded, reduced to a state disturbingly close to that of the infamous Myrten dumping ground, with its environment degraded and littered. This is not development, it is disguised exploitation. The ecological consequences are evident. The degradation of such spaces disrupts local biodiversity, affects air quality, and diminishes the overall environmental health of the city.
It is therefore crucial that the government re-evaluates its approach. Preservation must take precedence over commercialization. Spaces like Ward’s Lake or Nan Palok as we fondly called it, should be entrusted back to the Forest Department, whose mandate aligns with conservation, rather than to tourism-driven bodies whose priorities often lean toward revenue generation.
Shillong stands at the crossroads. The choices made today will determine whether it remains a city of natural beauty or becomes yet another cautionary tale of ecological neglect. Restoring Ward’s Lake and reclaiming Nan Palok are not just environmental imperatives, they are moral ones. Greed should not replace serenity.
Yours etc,
HT Wells
Shillong
Support UPSC Aspirants from the Start
Editor,
The recent initiative by the Government of Meghalaya under the “CM INSPIRE” scheme to financially support candidates preparing for the Union Public Service Commission examination is a commendable step. Providing Rs 50,000 for clearing the Preliminary stage and Rs 1,00,000 for the Mains will certainly motivate aspirants. However, it raises an important concern—why is assistance provided only after crossing the first hurdle?
UPSC preparation is a long and demanding journey that requires access to quality resources, proper guidance, and a conducive study environment from the very beginning. If the government truly aims to increase representation from Meghalaya in civil services, support should start at the foundational stage. Free or subsidized coaching, mentorship programmes, and access to curated study materials can greatly benefit aspirants, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds.
In addition, all district libraries in the state should be strengthened and equipped with good and updated UPSC-related books, standard reference materials, newspapers, and digital resources. Ensuring that every district library provides quality learning materials will create equal opportunities for aspirants across urban and rural areas. Libraries play a crucial role as knowledge hubs by offering a disciplined study space and promoting self-learning.
A more inclusive approach that supports aspirants from the beginning, along with well-equipped libraries in every district, will go a long way in enabling the youth of Meghalaya to succeed in one of the toughest examinations in the country.
Yours etc.,
Tiplut Wann
Via email
Umroi Airport Entry Fee: Passengers Fleeced
Editor,
I recently travelled through the Shillong Airport at Umroi and noticed that the vehicle that had gone to drop me was charged Rs 60 for entry. My information regarding the practice that is followed in the other airports of the country is that a slip with a time stamp is issued during entry and when the exit is within a specified time, normally eight to ten minutes of entry, no fee is charged.
Is this practice being flouted by charging vehicles on entry irrespective of time spent at the Shillong airport in Umroi? Will the authorities please clarify?
Yours etc.,
Sanjeeb Kakoty
Via email
Reclaiming Our Air: Urgent Need to Curb Public Smoking in Shillong
Editor,
I am writing to draw urgent attention to a pervasive Public Health crisis currently plaguing our “Scotland of the East”—the unchecked prevalence of smoking in public spaces. This issue is particularly egregious in high-traffic hubs like Laitumkrah, Kyndailad, Motphran, Malki Point which serves as a daily corridor for thousands of students, families, and pedestrians.
While the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 has technically prohibited smoking in public places since 2nd October 2008, the ground reality in Shillong suggests otherwise. The sight of individuals lighting up on narrow footpaths and near educational institutions, even Religious institutions has become a common, albeit illegal, occurrence. This blatant disregard for the law does more than just offend; it subjects innocent bystanders—specifically children and the elderly—to the involuntary and documented hazards of secondhand smoke.
The medical consensus is non-negotiable: passive smoking is a direct catalyst for chronic respiratory issues, acute asthma attacks, and long-term risks of lung cancer. For a city that prides itself on its pristine environment and vibrant community spirit, it is disheartening to see public health treated as a secondary concern.
To restore the sanctity of our public air, I urge the District Administration and local authorities to:
Enforce Strict Vigilance: Increase patrols in high-density areas like Laitumkrah and Kyndialad, ensuring that penalties for violators are swift and consistent.
Strengthen Educational Outreach: Launch aggressive awareness campaigns within schools and colleges to de-glamorize tobacco use among the youth. Just declaring Tobacco Free Zone is not at all effective.
Establish Clear Boundaries: Clearly demarcate “No Smoking” zones with visible signage and provide a dedicated digital platform (helpline or app) for citizens to report violations in real-time.
Support Cessation: Partner with local healthcare NGOs to provide accessible resources for those struggling with nicotine addiction.
The responsibility does not rest solely with the police; as citizens, we must foster a culture that prioritizes collective well-being over individual convenience. It is time we reclaim our right to breathe clean air and ensure that Shillong remains a healthy, liveable city for generations to come.
Yours etc.,
Iaidbha Paslein
Shillong
