The Meghalaya government has sanctioned an additional Rs 15 crore for the redevelopment of Iewduh, the historic market at the heart of Shillong, with a focus on improving drainage, upgrading footpaths, and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive master plan to modernise the area without disrupting the livelihoods of its vendors.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, officials of the Hima Mylliem, and various government departments, inspected the market on Monday to assess the ongoing redevelopment and identify pressing infrastructural challenges, particularly related to waterlogging and drainage.
Speaking to Media persons after the visit, Sangma said, “Today, along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, officials from the Urban Affairs, PHE, and MeECL departments, and the Hima Mylliem, we visited Iewduh to look at the overall condition and assess what needs to be done. We had earlier sanctioned Rs 6 crore and the work is already under way — footpaths are being repaired and given a natural stone finish.”
He announced that an additional Rs 15 crore has now been approved for the second phase of the project.
“The pipes along the footpaths will be placed under ducts, the entire drainage system will be redone, and footpaths will be widened to enhance utility. This phase will also address the problems with the Nalas. But we realised much more needs to be done, and hence we are preparing a master plan,” the Chief Minister said.
Recognising the socio-economic gravity of Iewduh, Sangma stated, “Close to one lakh people depend on Iewduh directly or indirectly. We cannot complete this overnight, but we’ve initiated the process and are committed to improving this place step by step.”
The visit, coinciding with rainfall, gave officials a direct look into the issues vendors face during inclement weather. “Thankfully, it rained during our visit. We witnessed firsthand the challenges that people face — drainage, congestion, lack of basic amenities,” Sangma said.
Citing specific grievances shared by vendors, Sangma said, “For example, in one of the farmers’ market areas, they’ve been functioning without light. They just wanted electricity connection to be done. So for that, we don’t need special sanction or anything. We can do those immediately.”
He added, “In one or two areas, they suggested the space is too small and wanted an extra floor. In some areas, they said the way work is being done could be improved. They requested drainage on the side because water is a big issue.”
Taking note of the feedback, the Chief Minister said, “We noted all the suggestions. Our priority now is to manage space better without disturbing livelihoods. Once the pipelines are placed underground and drainage is streamlined, the same footpaths will become more accessible.”
The current redevelopment is being funded by Rs 6 crore from the state government and Rs 10 crore earlier provided by the North Eastern Council. The Chief Minister assured that the new round of tendering for the Rs 15-crore project would begin shortly, with visible work expected to commence within the next few months, depending on weather conditions.
“We want to assure the people of Iewduh, especially the shopkeepers and the traditional heads, that we will work hand-in-hand with them to ensure improvement in the market. This is only the beginning,” Sangma concluded.
