SHILLONG:
Leader of Opposition and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) leader Mukul Sangma said that the state government must keep records to determine the right of way as per PWD revenue records.
“…because a number of infrastructures are coming along the sides of the road which I am afraid most of them will be encroached on,” Sangma said during the Question Hour on Thursday.
According to the Opposition leader, keeping in mind the traffic congestion at Umiam View Point, it is important for the government to know the right of way so that roads can be expanded in the future.
Earlier, Tourism Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said that the ‘Beautification of Umiam View Point’ scheme has been approved for Rs. 2 crore by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Informing that the approved amount is not sufficient to meet the proposal, Dhar said the scheme has not been taken up as the items of work are inter-related and partial implementation of the scheme due to shortfall in the sanction amount will not
meet with the objective of this proposal.
“The department is now examining a new source of funding for taking up the project,” the minister said.
All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) legislator from Umroi, George B. Lyngdoh said that the government can utilise the sanctioned amount for making public utilities such as a parking lot. He also added that the place has become an eyesore as there are no proper toilets and waste management system.
He also suggested solar street lights to be installed with the sanctioned amount.
Meanwhile, Nonthymmai MLA, Charles Pyngrope said that certain aspects of the project can be taken up within the Rs. 2 crore especially public conveniences, landscaping, parking area and non-civil works which according to him will amount to Rs. 94 lakh.
“Will the minister consider having a discussion with the architect who prepared this drawing if these few aspects of the project can be taken up without affecting the entire project?” Pyngrope asked.
Mawlai MLA, Process T Sawkmie also questioned why stalls selling food and various items were closed to which Dhar replied that due to Covid-19, the district administration had to close them down.