Shillong, Nov 04: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today inaugurated the District School Education Office-cum-Multilevel Car Park at Mawkhar and the fully mechanised Multilevel Car Park at Motphran in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
The two projects, implemented under the Shillong Smart City Mission, represent an investment of ₹38.92 crore and create organised parking capacity for 200 vehicles across two of Shillong’s most congested localities.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Minister said traffic is the number one issue in Shillong, raised not just by citizens but also by tourists.
“Multiple Governments and departments have tried to find a solution, but we realised piecemeal steps like making one-way roads or stopping parking at one place cannot be a permanent solution. To find a solution, we must know why the problem is happening,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Government carried out a detailed mobility study of Shillong for over a year and a half using drones, satellite images and vehicle counts.
“One of the key findings was that while we are creating no-parking zones, we are not creating parking zones. If you want to stop somebody from parking somewhere, you have to give that person the option to park somewhere else,” he said.
That led to a search for Government, community and private land to create parking spaces. The parking next to the Additional Secretariat was the first, and the Mawkhar and Motphran facilities are the second.
He recalled showing the Additional Secretariat parking to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.
“He was surprised and shocked to see that parking lot in Shillong. He asked me who made this and told his officers – make a note, this is something that should be replicated throughout the hill areas of the country. That is the kind of innovation we have brought in. We are not just helping our people, we are setting standards for other parts of the country to follow,” the CM said.
Under the State’s Parking Policy, the Government will fund up to Rs. 1 lakh for any individual or community with land to build parking, with a small share of parking fees going to Government. “Ownership and management will remain with the community. It is a community-based partnership that gives a service and also gives employment to our young generation,” he added.
The Chief Minister said these projects are part of a larger mobility plan. The new Administrative City is coming up fast and the Secretariat is expected to shift by September-October-November next year, which will bring major decongestion to the city.
He urged the Department to ensure adequate manpower, training and SOPs to run and maintain the facilities well. “Building something is one part. Running and maintaining it is a different part,” he said.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the festive season and the Government’s approach to supporting community celebrations.
“This festive season we have Cherry Blossom Festival, LitFest, Gospel Concert. I received messages asking why Government is supporting Gospel Concerts. I told them – in my constituency we have 100 years of Chhath Puja being celebrated and I give money for that. We are not here to promote any religion. We are here to support our people and be part of their celebrations,” he said.
He said whether it is the Presbyterian Church, Baptist Church, Bihari community for Chhath Puja, or Durga Puja committees, the Government supports all equally.
“That is how we celebrate the secular culture and secular fabric of our nation, by ensuring equal opportunity and equal respect is given to all faiths and all religions,” he said.
He added that at the Meghalaya Pavilion, even Gospel songs were performed on Sunday for tourists, because “we are a secular nation and we respect all.”
The Chief Minister said next year Meghalaya will host the National Games – perhaps the biggest event the State has hosted in 54 years. The Indian Olympic Association’s organising committee is currently in Shillong reviewing preparedness.
“This is not just a Government’s event, but a Meghalaya State event. Every citizen has a role to play. Even if you smile and receive our guests with a warm heart, that is your contribution. Taking care of athletes and making them feel at home – that is the warmth of our culture and hospitality,” he said.
