Shillong, Sep 29: Outgoing chief secretary DP Wahlang has advocated for extensive consultations with all stakeholders on the proposed railway connectivity project that has been stalled for decades due to strong opposition from various quarters.
“Railways is an issue which we need to have a lot of consultation with all the stakeholders and once everybody knows that whether it is a situation in which all of us will gain and everyone is convinced that it is a win-win situation then only we can take a concrete step in as far as that is concerned,” Wahlang told reporters on Monday.
Wahlang’s tenure as Chief Secretary will conclude on Tuesday, September 30. He will be succeeded by Dr Shakil Ahammed, currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary.
Asked about traffic congestion issue, the outgoing chief secretary said there is no quick fix solution to the traffic problems especially in Shillong.
However, he said, the government is coming up with short-term, medium-term and long-term plans to resolve the issue.
He informed about large number of parking lots being built besides government’s tie-ups with dorbar shnongs to implement parking solutions in certain areas.
Referring to the initiative of scrapping old vehicles, he said it would help reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
He also informed about several new road projects sanctioned to ease traffic congestion, including Western Bypass, High-Speed Corridor, and Tura Bypass.
“It is a problem that will take a little time to improve. We have to be patient. Look at the number of vehicles that are being registered in a day, it has gone up to hundreds now from 3-4 about 20 years back,” he said.
He also highlighted the government efforts in coordination with dorbar shnongs to improve the quality of water and beautify the area along Wahumkhrah river.
There has been some improvement in the quality of water, as tested by the Pollution Control Board, he said, adding that works are in progress to beautify the area, which are expected to be completed within a year.
On the issue of drugs, Wahlang emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach that involves the local community and stakeholders.
He said that the police have an anti-drug squad that is working to tackle the issue.
“We are also looking at the DREAM project which was set up two and a half years ago (to address the issue).”
The government has increased the number of drug rehabilitation centers.
Wahlang stressed the importance of working with the community, church-based organizations, and other stakeholders to counsel victims and address the issue. “…just trying to get hold of the drug peddlers is not the solution,” he stated.
Meanwhile, he expressed satisfaction over his accomplishments during his tenure of over three years as chief secretary.
“I feel that there is a deep sense of satisfaction over last three years (as) whatever goals and objectives that I have right at the beginning of my tenure, I was able to fulfil most of them with a complete satisfaction,” Wahlang said.
Wahlang noted that the law and order situation in the state was relatively stable during his tenure, with a few exceptions, including border skirmishes with Assam and issues related to Bangladesh.
The outgoing Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of streamlining the administrative system in the secretariat and directorates, with a focus on capacity building and upgrading service rules.
The outgoing chief secretary mentioned that he had taken up issue of streamlining the administrative system and upgrading service rules in almost all the departments during his three years tenure.
Wahlang is preparing for his new assignment as Chairman of the Food Commission. He expressed his commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of various food-related programs in the state.
