East Khasi Hills Officials Permit Roadside Puja Pandals for Final Year

Shillong: East Khasi Hills officials are letting Durga Puja organizers keep their pandals on Public Works Department roads for this year only. Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal confirmed the decision following intense pressure from local groups over traffic blockages. The move specifically affects spots in RR Colony, Lachumiere, and Laitumkhrah. Future years will not see such leniency.

The administration held meetings with police, Dorbar Shnongs, and stakeholders to settle the dispute. Officials found it too late to force organizers to move, as the PWD had already issued No Objection Certificates. Of the 69 total pandals in the district, the RR Colony site remains the primary one blocking a road. Baranwal stated, "The administration had held several rounds of consultations through sector magistrates with local Dorbar Shnongs, police station officers-in-charge and other stakeholders to address the concerns."

Police teams are now coordinating to minimize gridlock. They plan to deploy extra officers to handle diversions and manage the flow of traffic during the festival. Committees must find better locations moving forward. The district expects organizers to respect public access next time. Road-obstructing structures will not get a pass again.