Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai on Thursday said that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, will convene a special meeting after Republic Day to deliberate on major infrastructure development issues affecting Shillong.
Speaking to reporters, Shullai said he has briefed the Chief Minister about the recent meeting of a Meghalaya BJP delegation, led by him, with Union Ministers in New Delhi. The delegation met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to raise concerns related to infrastructure and urban development in the State capital.
Among the key issues discussed were the relocation of the Dalit Sikh community, implementation of building bye-laws in cantonment areas, and acquisition of defence land for the proposed Shillong flyover project.
Shullai said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured personal intervention to resolve the pending issues and has sought regular updates from the State government. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, on the other hand, assured cooperation in facilitating land allotment for the flyover project.
The proposed flyover, planned from Mahavira Park to Barik Point, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in Shillong.
Other issues raised during the meetings included development of the cantonment playground, construction of a hawker market, and preservation of indigenous culture in Mawlai.
Expressing optimism, Shullai said the issues are likely to be resolved within the next six to seven months.
He also informed that he met the Director of Defence Estate to expedite approval of building bye-laws under the Shillong Cantonment Board, which would allow construction of G+2 structures in the area.