Shillong, May 18: What is meant to serve the public at large can also cause damage at the same time, when negligence overtakes common sense. This is clearly manifested in the mid-night fire that took place late Saturday night at the garbage dump situated adjacent to the Matri Mandir, Polo almost turn ugly.
According to R Dhar president of Matri Mandir Commitee (MMC), the fire broke out at 12 am but as luck may have it, was put down with whatever water was available till the fire-brigade arrived on the scene.
“Last year we have denied a dustbint no objection certificate request from the state government authority, because we want to keep this place devoid of any garbage,” Dhar said while elaborating that the Mandir is a fifty-year-old temple wherein tourists from near and far pay devotional visit.
“But the public toilet, garbage dump and all these are an eyesore,” Dhar told this reporter adding, “This does not
Augur well with the saying that Shillong is the Scotland of the East.”
The MMC President also stated that frequent request to the Urban Affairs Minister bore no fruit.
“We have approached Madam Ampareen and requested the Authority to inspect but to no avail,” Dhar said.
Dhar also said that the Committee had given a written request to the authority turn the place into a park, but it was met with “blank stare.”
The fire had caused major damages to the temple including the electrical wiring, paintings, etc., and it is also said had the incident taken place during day time, the damage would have been more catastrophic.(SP News)
