Shillong, Sept 16: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the ₹24.27 crore redevelopment of Malki Market, as the government pushes ahead with market and urban infrastructure projects across Shillong.
The government is taking up market infrastructure projects worth around ₹130 crore through the State Budget, while projects worth over ₹100 crore are being implemented in and around Shillong under the Smart City initiative.
The State-funded projects include the ₹38 crore Laitumkhrah Shopping Complex, ₹14 crore Laban Market, ₹2 crore Lumshyiap project, ₹30 crore Polo Development, ₹6 crore street vendor markets at Dhankheti, Barik, Brightwell Bungalow, MUDA and Polo, ₹1 crore Khasi Market, ₹14 crore Iewduh redevelopment and the ₹24.27 crore Malki Market project.
Sangma said the Malki allocation is among the highest for any market project in the state and could help the area emerge as an important economic hub.
He also outlined major infrastructure works planned nearby. Barik Point is being developed as an urban hub, while the government is at an advanced stage of planning a four-lane road from Rilbong Museum to Anjalee Point, Rhino Point and Civil Hospital to ease congestion.
The Chief Minister said around 75 per cent of civil work on the New Secretariat in New Shillong has been completed and the government expects to shift there next year.
The existing Secretariat area is proposed to be redeveloped with wider roads, pedestrian spaces and green areas.
He said Malki and adjoining areas could witness major transformation over the next two to three years.
Sangma directed the Urban Affairs Department and contractors to ensure quality and timely completion of the Malki project and asked Rangbah Shnongs and local leaders to monitor the work as a social audit mechanism.
He said vending zones should be developed as organised livelihood spaces with toilets, beautification, cleanliness measures and cultural activities, including performances under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project.
Sangma also said Meghalaya’s Rajya Sabha MP has been invited as a Special Invitee to the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining FCRA regulations. Its first meeting is scheduled for September 18, where concerns of Meghalaya and the wider Northeast will be raised.
MLA Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, officials, traditional heads and other stakeholders attended the programme.
