SHILLONG:
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, on April 19, said that the chief minister is in line with the need to declare Khyndailad (from MUDA junction till Umsohsun) as a pedestrian zone, adding that the process of declaring parts of Shillong as no-honking zone is under way.
Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said that car passes will be issued to local residents for thoroughfare, but the entire area will be pedestrianised.
Regarding no-honking zones, the minister said the initiative is ongoing, and the Tourism department has designated Orchid Umiam as one. The department will also declare other units as no-honking zones.
“The Unique Selling Point (USP) of Meghalaya is the serenity which is disturbed by the loud honking, music which is sometimes being carried out beyond permissible hours,” Lyngdoh added.
Meanwhile, Lyngdoh also informed that the government is looking to decongest Shillong city, and one of the major areas of concern are the hawkers, who have occupied every corner of streets and footpaths, for which the government will create hawkers’ market.
“To look into the matter of hawkers, we will have to work in tandem with the Urban Affairs department, Municipal Board, PWD (Roads); all these are line departments we have to take on board on the issue of relocating hawkers,” Lyngdoh said.
He further said that the government is determined to decongest Shillong city, which will happen on a long-term basis once new Shillong comes up; and for short term solution, the government will work to make Shillong walker-friendly and pedestrian-friendly over the next 2-3 years.