By Our Editor
Traffic congestion in and around Shillong city is becoming a nightmare with little hope of solution in sight. Unless and until the government takes the matter very seriously and plans to ease congestion with immediate effect, surely the future is gloomy. More and more cars and vehicles of different varieties and sizes are being registered daily, not to mention vehicles carrying tourists visiting the state. Surely these are outward signs of development and prosperity but at the same time the government should try to find ways and means to decongest traffic by constructing more bypasses and alternative routes. Delay in implementation and devoting much time to theory will not suffice at all because the problem becomes more complicated with time. People also are expected to extend co-operation to the government in whatever manner possible and not be mere spectators. Then and only then with combined efforts from all quarters will traffic congestion be reduced. It is, therefore, right and proper that there should be a body comprising technical experts from different related departments and also concerned civilians who will furnish necessary inputs for solution.
First step for the government to take immediate action is introducing 60 buses for public transportation and ferrying of school students. As per study and survey it is found that by taking such a step about 1,800 vehicles will be relieved of city roads during peak hours. In this connection, the office of deputy commissioner, East Khasi Hills district, Shillong conducted a survey of 6,510 parents from 19 schools on July 22 and learnt that 61 per cent of students travel in private vehicles and only 11 percent of citizens use public transport for their daily purposes. On August 17 state government informed Meghalaya High Court that it has received 82 per cent parental consent for ferrying students to their schools in buses. In the meantime a society has apparently been formed for the purpose of ensuring that school students should avail opportunities offered by the public transport system so that parents and guardians can save time and energy. Preferably the government will acquire electric buses which are environment-friendly and create less pollution. Government should also note that the security of students is of topmost priority and therefore ought to take all necessary precautions. Routes to be plied should be well planned in such a way that students reach home within a short time possible.
With regard to roads and highways, the government assured that it will try its best to seek alternative means in avoiding entrance through Shillong city. For example, Guwahati-Shillong and Shillong-Jowai National Highways need not pass through Shillong city as by- passes will be completed on urgent basis. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed that key by-passes that would be available to tourists and others to bypass Shillong city on their way to Sohra, Nongstoin, Pynursla and Jowai are under construction. These include Ranigodam- Mairang road, Mawlyndep-Mawmaram road and Shillong- Diengpasoh road and he informed that similar steps have also been taken up in Tura and Jowai.