SHILLONG: The State Government will conduct a fresh survey of the disputed land along Wahumkhrah river to strengthen its case against alleged encroachers before challenging a recent verdict of the Gauhati High Court.
The Urban Affairs department took the step following the court directive setting aside a Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) order to evict the occupants of the land along the river and its adjoining areas.
The MUDA went ahead with the demolition drive last year without giving sufficient time to the encroachers through any prior notice.
“After the survey, a proper document will be prepared to file a case in a higher court,” Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has said.
The survey along Wahumkhrah is likely to be started on July 11.
The Minister, meanwhile, stressed the need for an Act to prevent further encroachment into the river, which was once adored by nature lovers but now turned into a mere drain to carry the city’s dirt.
Meanwhile, the Government is also making effort to get the Central sanction for scheme to construct embankment of the river especially in areas outside the jurisdiction of Shillong Municipal Board.
Pointing out that the encroachment is more in the non-municipal areas, Ampareen said, “There is rampant encroachment into the river from the bridge near BK Bajoria School towards its upstream areas.”
She urged the traditional institutions to play their role to stop this encroachment menace.
