SHILLONG, Jan 17: The administrative buildings and offices of the state government in Shillong, including the Secretariat, will be shifted to Mawpdang-Mawkhanu in New Shillong Township (NST) to address the growing problem of traffic snarls in the city.
The state Cabinet on Monday approved a proposal in this regard.
Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma will lay the foundation stone for the same on January 21 as a part of the golden jubilee celebrations of 50 years of statehood.
Home Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui told reporters that the state government is acquiring over 800 acres of land in the NST for the purpose. “We made the decision taking into consideration congestion in Shillong and the need to build a planned city in the NST,” Rymbui said.
Stating that this is not a short-term measure, he said the administrative buildings and government offices will be shifted in a phased manner, he said.
“Shillong has become very congested. Therefore, there is a need for the government to have a planned town in the NST. This step will not only ease congestion but help develop the other periphery of Shillong agglomeration,” he said, adding the exercise will not happen in two-three years.
“Proper planning is required. Different departments and directorates will need to plan accordingly taking into account the new age administration. A decision has been taken where NST at some point of time will be a permanent administrative area,” the Home Minister added.
State to implement BH series of registration
The Cabinet on Monday approved the proposal to implement BH or Bharat series of vehicle registration in the state.
According to him, this will benefit those who are frequently transferred from one place to another as they will not need to register their vehicle again and again in different states.
The BH series will also benefit people who are changing their residence as they will no longer need to register their vehicle separately.
