Another urban obstacle course!
Yet another traffic bottleneck has emerged in the city — this time at the busy Laitumkhrah intersection, a makeshift construction barricade has appeared right next to the Domino’s building.
A major section of the road now stands partially blocked with sandbags and makeshift barricades. The uneven surface and the scattered debris are now adding to the difficulty for motorists and pedestrians alike, turning one of the busiest intersections into yet another urban obstacle course.
This is said to be part of an ongoing repair work of a drainage. However, locals say this is nothing new. “First, they dig the road, fix something, and then dig again,” said a resident.
However, despite being in the thick of it, vehicles surprisingly showcase discipline, accommodating every fellow road users.
While the maintenance work may be necessary, there is also the need for such projects to be planned with minimal inconvenience to the public.
For now, the residents of Laitumkhrah must yet again endure the familiar scene of barricades, dust, and traffic snarls.
Winter sneaks in early
Shillong is used to playing it cool—literally and figuratively. This year, winter decided to crash the party early, like that eager guest who shows up to your party before the mood is set. “It’s just mid-October and it’s not even Diwali yet!” Shillong’s residents wonder as they are forced to dig into their closets for woollens.
Just last week, Shillongites were strutting around in light jackets, maybe a jumper, for the evening breeze, smugly telling tourists, “Oh, this is nothing, wait for December.”
Then, bam! Winter made a grand entrance, complete with frosty winds and a dramatic drop in temperature, especially after the sun sets.
“Winter this early? Must be global warming!” quipped two regulars at a momo-soup stall.
Meanwhile, the older folks, with their seasoned wisdom, simply remarked, “Early winter! In our times it was winter throughout the year.”
The showers have also added to the wintry chill. Along with woollens, you must also carry the additional burden of an umbrella.
Social life has taken a hit. The usual evening strolls around Ward’s Lake or PB have been replaced with sprints to the nearest café for hot chocolate or hot coffee or a hot bowl of soup — whatever is readily available.
Yet, Shillong being Shillong, adapts to the ever-changing weather with an air of nonchalance. Winter may have arrived early, but Shillong’s spirit continues to be warm, no matter the season.
