Govt to take a final call on relocation of 342 families from Them Iew Mawlong before end of this year: Dhar

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 26, 2024

The state government has decided to take a final call on the proposed relocation of the 342 families of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong before the end of this year.

Informing this on Friday, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar said, “You know very well everything has been prepared (by the government). So likely we may take a final call by the end of November.”

“Hopefully, if not November but by the end of this year, we will finalise what decision we should take as a government (on this issue),” he added.

Dhar said that the government is waiting since there is a request made by the delegation of the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC).

On the government’s decision to write to the defence authorities for allotting land for the purpose of relocating the residents, the deputy CM said, “I am not talking about defence. (They) want defence land but our own land is ready and in place as per the blueprint. So there’s still some discussion left so we are yet to finalize on that part.”

He however said that the government insisted that relocation should be as per the blueprint.

“Yes, we always insist as per our blueprint. Since there is talk and some part is left, we are still waiting for that. But likely we want to close this chapter if not by November but by the end of this year,” Dhar added.

Asked, the deputy CM said that the request for defence land is a suggestion given by the HPC.

“It is a suggestion from them (HPC). If we got it is well and good so why should we give our own land. It is as simple as that,” he stated while adding “We are exploring. Suppose if we get defence land, we don’t have to give anymore from government land. Lastly, if we get a reply from the defence and there is no land, we have to go ahead with our own land.”

According to him, the government land as per the blueprint is around 2-3 acres.