Shillong, September 16: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the ₹24.27-crore redevelopment of Malki Market at Malki Ground in Shillong in the presence of local MLA Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh.
The project is part of the state government’s wider initiative to upgrade market infrastructure across Shillong. Market projects worth approximately ₹130 crore are being implemented through the State Budget, while additional works valued at over ₹100 crore are being undertaken in and around the city under the Smart City initiative.
The State-funded projects include the ₹38-crore Laitumkhrah Shopping Complex, ₹14-crore Laban Market, ₹2-crore Lumshyiap project, ₹30-crore Polo Development project and ₹14-crore Iewduh redevelopment.
Street-vendor markets at Dhankheti, Barik, Brightwell Road, Motphran and Polo are also being developed at a combined cost of ₹6 crore.
Sangma said investment in market infrastructure was intended to strengthen economic activity, provide improved trading spaces and create livelihood opportunities.
He said the allocation for Malki Market was among the highest for any market project in Meghalaya and reflected the area’s potential to develop into a major economic hub serving Malki and neighbouring localities.
The Chief Minister also outlined other infrastructure projects planned for the area. Work has begun to develop Barik Point into an urban hub, while the government is at an advanced stage of planning a four-lane road connecting Yojana Bhawan, Anjalee Point, Rhino Point and Civil Hospital to ease traffic congestion.
Sangma said around 75 per cent of the civil work on the New Secretariat at Umsawli had been completed and that the government expected to shift there next year.
Following the relocation, the existing Secretariat area is proposed to be redeveloped with wider roads, pedestrian spaces and green areas.
The Chief Minister said these projects could significantly transform Malki and adjoining areas over the next two to three years.
He stressed that development must directly benefit individuals, families and communities, particularly at the grassroots, and should be implemented in partnership with residents, traditional institutions and local leaders.
Sangma also underlined the need to balance development with environmental protection, saying economic growth and ecology must move together.
He directed the Urban Affairs Department and contractors to maintain construction quality and complete the Malki Market project within the stipulated period. Rangbah Shnongs and local leaders were urged to monitor the work and act as a social-audit mechanism.
The Chief Minister thanked hawkers and other stakeholders for cooperating in the relocation of vendors. He said vending zones should be developed as organised livelihood spaces equipped with toilets and other facilities for vendors, residents and tourists.
The zones should also promote beautification, cleanliness and cultural activities, including musical performances under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, he added.
Sangma further said Meghalaya’s Rajya Sabha MP had been invited as a special invitee to the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining Foreign Contribution Regulation Act provisions.
The committee’s first meeting is scheduled for September 18, where concerns affecting communities in Meghalaya and the wider Northeast are expected to be raised.
Officials of the Urban Affairs Department and Shillong Municipal Board, Rangbah Shnongs, Dorbar Shnong members, traditional heads and other stakeholders attended the foundation-stone ceremony.
