The Khasi Students Union has written to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to demand that the redevelopment plans for the Public Works Department compound in Barik here should adhere to the award-winning design submitted by Aiban S Mawkhroh for a public park rather than go down the shopping mall route, which had been suggested by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.
The KSU’s environment and cultural cell said in its letter that Mawkhroh’s plan would be more in keeping with the aesthetics of the surrounding area, which includes cultural landmarks like the nearby Kiang Nangbah Statue, Soso Tham Auditorium, Lady Hydari/Phan Nonglait Park and All Saints Church.
A shopping mall, on the other hand, would, according to the KSU, increase traffic congestion in Shillong, increase pollution, overshadow the aforementioned cultural monuments and cause “other problems” to neighbouring schools, government offices and Shillong Civil Hospital.
