With the state government pledging Rs 21 crore for improvements to Ïewduh, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh today said that Hima Mylliem and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) should also contribute financially to turning the traditional market around.
An inspection of the market was conducted yesterday led by the Chief Minister. The government has announced Rs 6 crore for ongoing work and an additional Rs 15 crore for further improvements to the congested space. The focus will be on infrastructure upgrades, drainage improvement and power and water supply enhancements.
Acknowledging the historical neglect of the market, Lyngdoh said that funds directed by the state government “will go a long way in addressing the current situation where traders and shopkeepers face a lot of difficulties in the course of their day-to-day operations.”
The minister also highlighted the urgency of replacing dilapidated electric poles, directing the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) to act immediately. The tendering process for these upgrades is expected to begin soon, with the implementation timeline set for the next three months.
While Ïewduh falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the KHADC and is owned by the Hima Mylliem, Lyngdoh emphasised the state government’s intervention as a gesture of goodwill in response to the market’s deteriorating condition. “We expect that the Hima Mylliem as well as the KHADC will also do their bit to alleviate the sufferings of the people using the market facilities,” he said.
On the question of whether Ïewduh could evolve into a major tourist attraction, Lyngdoh expressed optimism but stressed the need for synergy. “There has to be a partnership between the state government, KHADC and Hima Mylliem. Once we’re on the same page, we can definitely develop Iewduh as a heritage and cultural tourism hub,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the financial limitations of the government’s role, calling the Rs 21 crore commitment “gap funding,” while urging the Hima Mylliem to reinvest some of its revenue from market operations into development. He also assured that congestion and narrow lanes would be addressed in phases, with current works already replacing old pathways with Maw Sohra stone slabs.
Responding to questions about the numerous hawkers and need for alternate vending zones, Lyngdoh pointed to Khyndailad. The Urban Affairs Department has identified nearly 200 sites there, though the number of applicants far exceeds available space. “We’re at the final stage of vendor shortlisting for Khyndailad and once that is sorted, we can look at other sites,” he said.
