Govt asked to spell out plans to address traffic problems
The Meghalaya High Court has directed the State to file an affidavit indicating the steps taken and proposed to be taken to ease the traffic congestion in Shillong City.
“The State’s affidavit should indicate the plans to be implemented over the next few months, those over the next few years and the long-term goals taking into consideration the rate of increase of private cars and vehicular traffic, the burgeoning tourism industry and the available space,” the division bench said in its order passed while hearing a PIL on the matter.
It said that several months back, the State had indicated that most of the parents of school-going children in the city had agreed to opt for their wards being ferried to schools by bus, provided the State government took the responsibility of running such service.
“Indeed, it was indicated that about 50 to 60 buses were being acquired for such purpose. However, nothing seems to have been implemented in such regard,” the Court added.
Further, the Court also said that there were other long-term and short-term plans which had been tentatively indicated, particularly following suggestions by the IIM, Shillong and by a foreign agency apparently engaged by the State for such purpose.
“Again, nothing appears to have come of it apart from a ropeway being planned, and that too, for tourism purposes,” it added.
The next hearing will be held on May 3.
Militancy at its lowest, says State DGP
Director General of Police (DGP) Dr LR Bishnoi has stated that the law and order situation in the state is more or less peaceful.
“It is under control and we are getting full cooperation from the people,” Dr Bishnoi told reporters after a meeting at the police headquarters.
He said in the districts, most of the crimes are not directly linked to the law and order.
“Fortunately, militancy is also at its lowest level and whatever remnant groups are there, they are in the peace process they are talking to the central interlocutors also,” Dr Bishnoi said while adding “Not much problem as of today but future challenges will remain and for that we are trying to strengthen our law and order branch so that they can deal with the situation immediately.”
The Meghalaya High Court was not happy with the performance of the state police especially in regards to the illegal transportation of coal, the DGP said, “We are going as per the high court orders wherever the mistakes are pointed out we are trying to plug the loopholes but again you know the area is so much and the police strength is not proportionately adequate to dominate each and every inch of the land of the state so sometimes you know through the jungle route some may indulge in the transportation of illegal coal etc for that also we are trying to dominate it by the patrolling.”
“So by and large it is under control now and whatever the direction from the court or government given to the police department we will definitely try to follow those,” he added.