By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 17: The Tourism department has completed the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed revitalisation of Ward’s Lake, locally known as Nan Polok, with plans focused on restoring the lake’s ecological health while preserving its heritage character, including the iconic Japanese-style wooden bridge.
The proposed “Ward’s Lake Revitalisation Programme”, has been finalised as part of the government’s larger initiative to safeguard and rejuvenate one of Shillong’s most prominent tourist attractions.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Tourism Director Brenda Lee Pakyntein said the DPR has already been forwarded to the Forest Department for onward submission to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for necessary approval.
“Presently, we are awaiting approval from MoEF&CC on the DPR. When approval is received on the DPR, we will give out more details,” Pakyntein said.
According to the department, the proposed restoration works include desiltation, water treatment, oxygenation of the lake, landscaping and beautification measures aimed at improving the ecological condition of Ward’s Lake without altering its historical identity.
Pakyntein said approval from the ministry would be necessary before undertaking desiltation and other ecological restoration activities within the lake.
A key aspect of the proposed restoration plan is the decision to retain the iconic Japanese-style wooden bridge, which has long been regarded as one of the defining features of Ward’s Lake.
The Tourism Director said structural assessments have found the existing bridge durable enough to continue in use with additional strengthening measures.
“Ward’s Lake in general will be retained as far as possible. We will only strengthen the existing components. The only addition will be that we will make it more pedestrian-friendly,” she said.
The decision assumes significance amid earlier discussions on replacing the structure.
During the period when Ward’s Lake was under the Forest and Environment Department, architect Bah Aiban Mawkhroh had reportedly prepared a design proposal for a new bridge.
However, the Tourism department has now indicated that the existing bridge will be preserved as part of efforts to protect the heritage and traditional charm of the lake.
