Shillong, Nov 15: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday unveiled the redeveloped IGP junction here as part of the ‘re-imagining streets initiative’.
The initiative was launched by the chief minister on March 19 this year.
Besides the chief minister, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, DGP I Nongrang Additional Chief Secretary Shakil Ahmed, Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar and other government officials were present.
The government termed the developed junction as a refuge island for pedestrians
Urban and Municipal Affairs executed the project.
Limited use
Though the developed junction is termed as refuge for pedestrians, there are very limited facilities for them.
This will be mainly used as shelter for traffic police personnel and much space was taken by the command centre to monitor CCTVs.
There are no sitting arrangements for the visitors or pedestrians in the area.
The circular outer row is used to grow plants with the compost brought from Marten waste dumping ground.
Though rain is frequent, there is no overhead shelter.
Earlier, the chief minister said though the redeveloped point is a small space, it is a step towards the efforts to lift up the overall look of Shillong city and informed that many such locations will be developed. “It is important for us to ensure that we are using the existing space that we have in a very logical and practical manner.
4 star hotel
The chief minister also informed that the 4 star hotel in Orchid Polo has been finalised and construction will start soon. “We are trying to maximise the utility of the assets and the land that the government has and in the next twelve months a major face lift in the overall look of Shillong city is expected,” he added. He also informed that the Integrated Command Centre is in its final stages of completion and will be inaugurated soon. He also said the materials used in the redevelopment and its beautification are locally sourced.
Later the chief minister and the dignitaries walked from the point to the secretariat using the painted walkway.
