Meghalaya Govt decide to relocate 342 families of Sweepers’ colony to existing SMB quarters

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 31, 2022

The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government on Wednesday decided to relocate the 342 families of Sweepers’ Colony from Them Iew Mawlong to the existing official quarters of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) as a permanent solution to the long pending issue. 

After chairing a meeting with the urban affairs department in presence of the minister in-charge Sniawbhalang Dhar, Tynsong said, “After taking into consideration all issues, we have decided to relocate the 342 families of Sweepers’ Colony from Them Iew Mawlong to the existing quarters of the SMB located just the opposite of the Leader of Opposition’s quarters.”

The official quarters were earlier converted into  temporary office of the SMB.

The deputy chief minister also announced the government’s decision to construct housing flats at the 2.5 acres of land.

“Now we will demolish the old units and accordingly construct a flat system of 5 or 7 stories as per Meghalaya Development Urban Authority (MUDA) byelaws,” he said.

He added, the urban affairs department was asked to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for construction of the new housing flats within a period of one and a half months. 

According to him, the proposal was to construct 12 blocks for accomodating all the 342 families. 

Tynsong further informed that he would immediately convey the decision of the government to the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) in a meeting to  be held after the end of this month. 

He also maintained that the government will not accept beyond 342 families, the list of which was also submitted before the Meghalaya High Court. 

When asked, the deputy chief minister said, “I don’t like to use the word “if”. The government will meet them (HPC) then it is ultimately up to them (to decide on the matter whether they accept or reject the government’s decision).