Shillong, Feb 19: A massive multi-purpose event ground covering an area of 17 acre is under development with an investment of Rs 101 crore in New Shillong, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar, informed the assembly on Thursday.
“…the project is full swing as I speak,” he said while adding that the project is under development within the knowledge city at New Shillong.
The ground will have a capacity of 60-70 thousand with a parking ground at Mawkhanu near the football stadium, he said while replying to a resolution moved by VPP legislator Adelbert Nongrum.
The minister highlighted the government’s vision to make Shillong a culturally vibrant and inclusive city, with public spaces open to all sections of society.
Initiatives like transforming Wards Lake into a lively civic space, redeveloping Wahumkhrah Riverfront, and upgrading Ka Phan Nonglait Park are underway.
Stating that the stretch along Wahumkhrah River at Polo is being redeveloped as a Meghalaya First Riverfront Project, he said, “This will create a landscape open area, walking parts, activity zones and safe gathering spaces for both young and old boys and girls.”
At the heart of the city, Dhar said, even Barik area is being redeveloped as an open public plaza and this project aims both to decongest traffic and to create an organized civic space for public use.
Similarly, Ka Phan Nonglait Park is being upgraded with better amenities, improve accessibility, safer pedestrians pathway and improved crossings and also ensuring that children’s, women, senior citizens and young youth can move comfortably and safely in this area, he said.
“These projects aim to create open, inclusive, and well-designed public spaces for recreation, gathering, and civic life,” he said.
“Objective of this resolution to allocate adequate funds for a modern venue infrastructure is already being actively addressed through ongoing and sanctioned project both within Shillong and the New Shillong area,” Dhar said while emphasizing that the government remain fully committed to building inclusive, accessible and future ready public infrastructure for our spirited citizens young and old.
