Shillong: The Meghalaya government has announced a Rs 21 crore investment to upgrade Iewduh, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the Northeast, in a move aimed at improving infrastructure and supporting local vendors.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, who visited Iewduh (also known as Bara Bazar) on Tuesday, said the visit—led by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma—was “a major step forward” in the government’s effort to connect with grassroots entrepreneurs and traders.
Acknowledging the historical neglect of the market, Lyngdoh noted that the government has already committed Rs 6 crore for ongoing works and has decided to augment that with an additional Rs 15 crore.
“This will go a long way in addressing the current situation where traders and shopkeepers face a lot of difficulties in the course of their day-to-day operations,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the urgency of replacing dilapidated electric poles, directing the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) to act immediately.
He said that the government is expected to begin the tendering process for these upgrades soon, with implementation planned within the next three months.
Although the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) administers Iewduh and the Hima Mylliem owns it, Lyngdoh emphasised that the state government intervened as a goodwill gesture in response to the market’s deteriorating condition.
“We expect that the Hima Mylliem as well as the KHADC will also do their bit to alleviate the sufferings of the people using the market facilities,” he said.
Responding to questions about how there are numerous hawkers and there is need for alternate vending zones, Lyngdoh pointed to Khyndailad as a key focus. The Urban Affairs Department has identified nearly 200 sites there, though the number of applicants far exceeds available space.
“We’re at the final stage of vendor shortlisting for Khyndailad, and once that is sorted, we can look at other sites,” he said.
On the question of whether Iewduh could evolve into a major tourist attraction, Lyngdoh expressed optimism but emphasized the need for synergy.
“There has to be a partnership between the state government, KHADC, and Hima Mylliem. Once we’re on the same page, we can definitely develop Iewduh as a heritage and cultural tourism hub,” he said.
Calling the Rs 21 crore funding a form of “gap funding,” the minister encouraged the Hima Mylliem to reinvest revenue from market operations into further development. He also assured that efforts are underway to ease congestion, with new pathways being laid using Maw Sohra stone slabs.
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