Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today asserted that no places of worship would be relocated in the proposed redevelopment and beautification of Shillong city.
He was reacting to media reports about moves to shift the building of Presbyterian Church English Service located close to the old Assembly building at Khyndai Lad here.
The heritage church building was built in 1904 and presently caters to non-Khasi worshippers.
Taking to the microblogging site X, Sangma said that no decision for relocation of places of worship has been held.
“In regards to the re-development and urban master plan for Shillong city, no decision has been taken to relocate any place of worship. Whatever the government decides will be after consulting the stakeholders,” he said.
The statement comes after State governments’ plans to utilise nearly 25 acres of land to enhance the aesthetics and diverse culture of the State and alleviate traffic congestion in the city.
Recently, Sangma had stated that the State government has identified 25 acres which will be used for the purpose of beautifying the city by creating new walkways, a green park, museums, amongst other projects.
In the Police Bazar area, the government is constructing a business-cum-tourism centre. Estimated at Rs 216 crore, the project is being implemented under the Shillong Smart City initiative.
Further, as part of the plan, the Barik Point in the city will undergo a major transformation. A huge National Flag will be installed at the PWD complex in Barik along with an iconic structure.
The existing government offices at Barik Point will be relocated to pave the way for the beautification project.
A new road will also be constructed from the NEFA Secretariat to the Military Hospital to ease congestion at Anjali Point.
