By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has expressed concern over fresh encroachments along the Wahumkhrah even as the MUDA conducted a demolition drive last year along the river and its adjoining areas.
Referring to the controversial demolition and the following Gauhati High Court verdict, which set aside the demolition order but upheld the MUDA bye-laws on illegal structures, the minister said, “I cannot wish away the sins of the past and have to prepare for the future. What concerns me is that despite all these, some structures continue to come up along the banks of the river.”
Meanwhile, she has sought the details of the court ruling passed on June 10.There has to be an amicable and futuristic solution to the matter as it deals with human lives, Ampareen told The Shillong Times on Monday.
Meanwhile, SCAMoD member Agnes Kharshiing pointed out that the court has set aside the demolition notices issued to only those settlers who are part of the Greater Iew Polo Welfare Association (GIPWA).
“In GIPWA, there are only 20 members. As per the records, there are more than 80 illegal settlers along the river and its adjoining areas,” she said after meeting Law Secretary LM Sangma on Monday.
She said the Government should immediately conduct an eviction drive against the illegal settlers who are not part of the Association.
The SCAMoD member also urged the MUDA to follow all necessary procedures before issuing fresh demolition notice to these settlers since the court had upheld its bye-laws.
She also expressed the doubt that there must be some black sheep among the bureaucrats, who gave wrong advice to the Government on the eviction exercise.