Editor,
I write to draw urgent attention to the deplorable condition of the footpath in Laitumkhrah, Shillong, which has become a serious safety concern for daily pedestrians.
At present, the footpath is in a state of neglect and disrepair, making it extremely difficult to use—especially for students, office-goers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Widespread encroachment, uncivilised dumping of waste and debris has significantly reduced walking space, creating constant bottlenecks. As a result, pedestrians are often compelled to step onto the already narrow and congested roadway, exposing themselves to the risk of accidents.
Moreover, large stretches of the footpath are damaged, with potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces that become slippery and hazardous during the rainy season. In several places, uncovered drains pose a serious danger, while poorly planned utility works and intrusive railings further obstruct movement. Certain sections are so narrow that even two pedestrians cannot pass comfortably.
Considering the high volume of foot traffic in Laitumkhrah locality—particularly students—the current condition is not only inconvenient but also unsafe. I therefore urge the concerned authorities to take immediate corrective measures, including repairing the footpath, removing encroachments, covering open drains, and ensuring a safe, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly walkway in the so-called Smart City of Meghalaya.
I sincerely hope this issue will receive prompt attention in the interest of public safety and urban accountability.
Yours etc.,
Bubli Brahma
Shillong
NH-62 — The Crumbling Lifeline of South Garo Hills
Editor,
Roads are more than stretches of tar and gravel—they are arteries of development, connecting people to healthcare, education, markets, and opportunities. In the case of NH-62 from Dalu to Baghmara, this highway is not merely a road; it is the lifeline of the people of South Garo Hills. Sadly, this lifeline today lies in a state of shocking neglect and disrepair.
For years, commuters, transporters, students, patients, and daily wage earners have been forced to endure the miserable condition of NH-62. Large potholes, broken stretches, poor drainage, landslide-prone sections, and muddy surfaces during the monsoon have turned travel into a dangerous and exhausting ordeal. What should be a smooth journey has become a test of endurance, often taking hours longer than necessary and causing frequent vehicle breakdowns and accidents.
The impact of this dilapidated highway extends far beyond inconvenience. Farmers struggle to transport their produce to markets in time, leading to losses and discouragement. Patients needing urgent medical attention face delays that can cost lives. Students traveling for education face uncertainty and hardship. Businesses suffer from high transportation costs, slowing economic activity in an already underserved region. Tourism potential, blessed by the natural beauty of South Garo Hills, remains largely untapped because of poor connectivity.
The neglect of NH-62 also reflects a deeper issue—the marginalization of remote border regions. South Garo Hills shares an important international boundary with Bangladesh, making connectivity not only an economic necessity but also a strategic concern. A functional national highway in such a region should be a priority for both the National Highways Authority of India and the Government of Meghalaya. Yet, repeated promises of repair and upgrading have often remained confined to announcements, with little visible progress on the ground.
The people of South Garo Hills have shown patience and resilience, but patience cannot fill potholes, nor can resilience replace proper infrastructure. What is urgently needed is not temporary patchwork repairs but a comprehensive reconstruction of NH-62 with modern engineering standards, proper drainage systems, regular maintenance, and strict monitoring of project execution. Transparency in road contracts and accountability for delays must also become part of the solution.
A road that connects lives should not become a road that destroys them. The condition of NH-62 from Dalu to Baghmara is not merely an infrastructure issue—it is a question of dignity, development, and equal attention to every citizen, regardless of geography.
The voice of South Garo Hills is clear: Repair NH-62 now, before neglect turns into irreversible loss.
Yours etc.,
Bishwambhar Banai,
Via email
Lumpongdeng Island Is For Nature Lovers
Editor,
Lumpongdeng was a quiet and peaceful island, until recently when the Government planned to invade its tranquility, by setting up the Taj Umiam Luxury Resort and Spa. However it was done away with due to protests from concerned sections of the society. Through this letter I wish to express my desire to see Lumpongdeng as a Botanical Garden Island.This island could serve the nature loving people and tourists, to experience and enjoy the scenic beauty of Umiam Lake also known as Umiam Khwan.
In this connection, I would suggest to the Government to develop this place into a Botanical Garden, where footpaths can be constructed around the Island after planting more trees, like flowering trees,wild fruit bearing trees for birds and small animals to thrive, deciduous and evergreen tree species etc. and even some ficus variety trees can be planted. I am sure the Botanical Survey of India will assist in developing this project if required.
Thus, Lumpongdeng Island should be well preserved as a natural beauty spot of the Glamorous Umiam Lake and no other activities of any kind should be allowed to be held on this island. Once trees are grown they will attract birds from nearby areas as well as migratory birds from distant places and small animals to visit and make the Island their habitat. This will benefit nature lovers, animal lovers and bird watchers. This island can be reached by boat and if possible it can also be connected with the mainland by a Ropeway.
As far as the plan to bring up the proposed Taj Umiam Luxury Resort and Spa, I have nothing to say but I feel the proposed site is too small and too near the lake. Unlike the existing Orchid Lake Resort, it is understood that the Taj resort and Spa is a huge project. Its waste discharge will be ten times more than the existing Orchid Resort, which can pollute the lake and affect the quality of water. Further, the Taj Resort Project requires very good facilities, like better road communication and efficient air connectivity hence an International Airport is essential to cater to the needs of high class travelers and foreign tourists visiting our State.The Shillong Airport at Umroi until now is a sub-standard domestic airport raised from an abandoned airfield. There must be a very strong and valid reason for abandoning it.
It may be mentioned here that the Cantonment Area of the Military at Rangmen has been drawing drinking water from the other side of the lake opposite Nehru Park. This aspect also must be taken into consideration by the Government.Taking up such developmental project is always welcome but it should not fail. I remember many years ago, the Tourism Department introduced a floating Restaurant at Umiam Lake, called“The Flying Duck,” but this Duck never took off. Later on it became a non-functional sitting duck and within a short period of time it finally became a shut down duck and disappeared into the deep of Umiam Lake and the entire investment on it has gone to waste.
I hope the Government will give a thought to this humble suggestion so that ultimately this island will become a valuable asset of the people and our future generations.
Yours etc.,
N Hynniewta,
Shillong-1
