Shillong, Sep 30: Land belonging to the Meghalaya Assembly in Khyndailad could be utilised to expand the road in order to ease traffic congestion, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said today.
Although the old heritage Assembly building burned down at the turn of the century, the space continues to be used as offices for the Assembly Secretariat, while the Assembly, when it is in session, sits in Rilbong.
Once the purpose-built new Assembly building is constructed in the New Shillong Township, the Khyndailad property could be utilised for a wider road in what is the commercial heart of Shillong.
Sangma informed that the state government is already in talks with the Assembly Secretariat on this subject.
The CM said that the state government, given financial constraints, has had to forgo thoughts of a metro or other mode of transportation and is focusing on the prudent construction of parking lots and widening of roads.
For the latter space is limited and the government has to utilise its own land to expand existing roads, for the most part.
Meanwhile, on the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), Sangma informed that the government is looking for a nodal agency to run the centre. The CM admitted that the utility of the ICCC has not been maximised yet and this can be achieved if it is linked up with the Home and the Urban Affairs Department.
The ICCC was inaugurated by Sangma with great fanfare last year to oversee city surveillance, emergency response and help desk services. Only yesterday it was announced that data gathered by the ICCC will be shared with the state police to monitor illegal activities as the state government moves to strengthen the Directorate of Prosecution.
