Urban affairs dept to take over key street lights, clear tangled wires in Shillong: Meghalaya DCM

Shillong, Jul 15: Shillong is set for better-lit streets and cleaner skies as the Urban Affairs department finalizes a new plan to manage street lighting and remove cluttered overhead wires.

Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday said the government has worked out which agency will handle what, to end confusion over maintenance.

“We are on the job. Going forward, street lights in several areas will be maintained by the Municipal Board. The Power department and Smart City will also handle proposals and upkeep in other pockets,” Dhar said.

The detailed project report (DPR) for the lighting project is complete. The department is now holding meetings with headmen to identify priority spots for the first phase.

“Almost all-important areas will be covered in phase one. The Municipal Board will take care of maintenance there. Some locations will remain with the Power department,” he said.

Dhar said the aim is to clearly demarcate responsibilities.

“We have come to a conclusion so there is no more confusion. We will specify the areas and which department — Municipal or Power — will look after them,” he said.

The Minister also spoke about the state’s plan to tidy up Shillong’s overhead cables.

“This has been initiated by the Urban Affairs department. The Chief Minister has already inspected the sites and made the announcement. We will target all major areas with excessive hanging wires and relocate them properly. The goal is to make the city look neat and clean,” Dhar said.

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