By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Taking cognizance of matters relating to de-recognition of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and MUDA by some Dorbar Shnong, Urban Affairs Minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh has said that the decision by the Dorbar Shnong is uncalled for since both Municipal and MUDA are strictly implementing the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2011 as per the directives of the State Government.
Earlier on Saturday, three Dorbar Shnong in the city — Upper Lumparing, Lower Lumparing and Kynjat Phutbol — had unanimously decided to derecognize the Municipal and MUDA who had issued stringent directives for building construction in accordance with the Building Bye Laws.
Ampareen said that the Government is strictly implementing the Building Bye Laws after seeing the rampant unscientific construction in various parts of the city and where the violations are more prominent in areas outside the SMB jurisdiction.
“If such flouting of rules is not checked I fear the worst if there is a major natural disaster considering that the State falls under Seismic Zone V,” Ampareen told The Shillong Times on Sunday, while adding that certain localities like Lumparing, Nongthymmai and Malki are critical areas since they are situated on hill slopes.
“The way houses are constructed in these areas means a major calamity in case of a major earthquake,” she added.
“I personally feel that the Dorbar Shnong should take the initiative to ensure that houses are constructed in their respective localities as per the guidelines of the Building Bye Laws which are being implemented for the safety of each and every individual,” the Urban Affairs Minister stated.
While pointing out that certain parts of Lumparing area fall under the SMB, she said that these areas do not have any more right to use any of the services being provided by the Municipal Board since they have decided to dissociate themselves.
It may be recalled that the three Dorbar Shnong had raised objections over certain provisions of the Building Bye Laws which makes it mandatory for carrying out soil and stone tests before starting any construction.
The Dorbar Shnong also raised objection against the Bye Law which prohibits people owning less than 1500 square feet to construct their houses. They are also unhappy that now a house owner has to seek permission from MUDA before increasing the number of floors of their buildings.
The Dorbar, while referring to an old agreement signed in 1937, said that the municipal areas include only Police Bazar, European Ward and Cantonment areas, while other areas of the city are outside the jurisdiction of the SMB.
The Municipal Board had tried to intrude into those areas outside its jurisdiction only after it started implementing the schemes under the Central Govt-sponsored JNNURM, the Dorbar Shnong had further claimed.