SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma reaffirmed on Tuesday that no places of worship would be relocated as part of the proposed redevelopment and beautification plans for Shillong city.
His statement follows recent speculation in the press about the potential relocation of the Presbyterian Church English Service building near the old Assembly building at Khyndai Lad.
The heritage church, dating back to 1904 and serving non-Khasi worshippers, was rumoured to be moved under the urban master plan aimed at enhancing the city’s aesthetics and reducing traffic congestion.
In a social media update, Sangma clarified, “No decision has been made to relocate any place of worship in the redevelopment and urban master plan for Shillong city. The government will consult stakeholders before any such decision is finalised.”
The state government’s initiative aims to utilise approximately 25 acres of land to enrich the cultural landscape of Meghalaya and address urban challenges.
This includes creating new walkways, a green park, museums, and other projects aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal.
Notably, the ongoing Rs 216 crore Shillong Smart City project includes the construction of a business-cum-tourism centre in the Police Bazar area.
Additionally, Barik Point is slated for a significant transformation, featuring the installation of a large National Flag and an iconic structure at the PWD complex.
As part of the beautification efforts, existing government offices at Barik Point will be relocated to facilitate the planned developments, including the construction of a new road.
Near the Additional Secretariat and Polo Commercial Complex, mechanized multi-level car parks are set to be constructed, with allocations of Rs 6.5 crore and Rs 36.5 crore respectively.
These facilities are expected to alleviate parking challenges and streamline traffic flow in these busy areas.
Further enhancing parking infrastructure, a mechanised multi-level car park at Mawkhar will receive Rs 20.30 crore, while another at Motphran is budgeted at Rs 12.50 crore.
Phase-II of the Smart Roads project will see the construction of 10 km of modernised roads, complemented by the beautification of twelve key junctions across Shillong.
This comprehensive urban improvement effort is budgeted at Rs 134.50 crore.
In a move towards sustainable energy solutions, grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic systems will be installed across various buildings in Shillong, with an investment of Rs 26.75 crore.
This initiative aims to harness renewable energy sources and reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
Additionally, the construction of rainwater harvesting systems at strategic locations throughout Shillong will receive Rs 23.65 crore in funding.
These systems are designed to conserve water resources and mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall on urban infrastructure.
The Chief Minister highlighted that all redevelopment plans are geared towards preserving Shillong’s cultural heritage while modernising its infrastructure to meet the growing needs of residents and visitors alike.
