BJP team’s visit to Delhi
Shillong, Jan 22: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong will convene a meeting after Republic Day to discuss infrastructure development-related issues raised by a state BJP team before Union ministers in New Delhi recently, said cabinet minister and BJP legislator Sanbor Shullai on Thursday.
“I have informed the chief minister regarding my visit (to New Delhi) and meeting with union ministers. After Republic Day, a special meeting will be convened by the chief minister and deputy chief minister in-charge PWD (roads & buildings) to discuss these issues,” Shullai told reporters.
The South Shillong MLA led a delegation of state BJP and met Union Ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently.
The issues raised by the BJP leaders include relocation of Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, implementation of building bye-laws, and defence land for proposed Jhalupara-to-Barik flyover in Shillong.
“We brought to his (Singh) attention all these grievances related to Cantonment area, and he was very happy,” Shullai said.
He said the Defence Minister had assured him of taking personal initiative to resolve these issues.
Shullai also met Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari, who assured help in expediting land allotment for the flyover project.
“So, jointly as MDA government, we will move the Centre to address these concerns,” he said.
Other issues raised by the BJP team include Cantonment playground development, hawker market construction, and preservation of indigenous culture by setting up a traditional complex at Mawlai.
Asked, Shullai said Shillong’s traffic congestion is expected to ease soon with the proposed flyover project from Mahavira Park, Jhalupara to Barik Point.
“The project, once complete, will ease traffic congestion in Shillong city,” Shullai said.
According to him, the proposal initially included a stretch from Mahavira Park to Anjalee petrol pump, but was later modified to end at Barik Point.
Shullai met Singh, highlighting the need for defence land acquisition near the NCC office and Garrison Ground.
He said the Defence Minister requested for regular updates on the issues.
“Singh has requested me and BJP party to come every month to remind him regarding the problems and grievances of the people of Shillong city and the state,” Shullai said while expressing optimism that resolution to the matter may be completed within six to seven months.
Further, the cabinet minister informed that he also met the Director of Defence Estate, urging expedited approval of Shillong Cantonment Board’s building bye-laws. The proposed bye-laws allow G+2 structures in the cantonment area.
“We have requested her to expedite and approve this building byelaws…we have also discussed the need to reduce the tax fixed within cantonment area by the finance department of the Ministry of Defence…This will give relief to all the lessees and civilians living within the cantonment area,” Shullai said.
