SHILLONG, MAY 12: The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday asserted the need to have long-term and short-term plans to address the traffic congestion in Shillong.
Hearing a PIL on the matter, the two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh said, “Though the matter has been pending for a considerable period of time and new ideas are bandied each time, there have to be long-term and short-term plans on a more detailed basis than what has been presented thus far.”
“Funds may be a problem, but there are national and international agencies that may be tapped and some kind of private-public partnership may also be explored for the purpose,” it added.
The court said that several suggestions have been made on behalf of the appearing parties and it is hoped that the State considers the same.
One of the measures attempted to be put in place is to ensure more school buses, particularly for the schools concentrated in the Laitumkrah area, it said adding however, a low level of response has been received.
It may do well for a responsible official from the State meeting parents and the school authorities and persuading parents to avail of the bus upon allaying their apprehensions as to security and delay, the court said while asserting that these visits have to be to each school.
The court also asked the State to also explore whether staggering the inflow and outflow of students in each school and staggering the timings of schools located in close proximity may ease the congestion in the locality.
The ultimate relief in easing the traffic situation in Shillong proper may only come upon alternative systems being put in place, it opined.
During the hearing, the Advocate General informed that there is an expert recommendation for ropeways being constructed, including for regular use for commuting purposes rather than restricted only for tourism.
The District Councils assure all cooperation and say that they need not indicate any independent stand, but will act in conjunction with the State for a collective response to be presented in Court.
The Advocate General further informed that the construction of the western bypass and other proposed roads are going on. Some of these can actually be seen on the ground.
According to the state, more than 70 per cent of households in Shillong own at least one vehicle and considering the hilly terrain and the high number of vehicles, there is traffic congestion.
There are several experts available in the field and the State Government should endeavour to explore all avenues to ease the current traffic problem in Shillong.
The next hearing will be held on June 24.
By Our Reporter
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