By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The recent transfer of land for the construction of the Interstate Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Mawlai Mawiong has left the Dorbar Shnong of Mawlai Mawiong rim in awe as the latter was not made aware of the recent developments.
The construction of the proposed ISBT at Mawiong has been approved by the Planning Commission in the early months of this year and it would be constructed at a cost of Rs 48.31 crore, which would accommodate fifty buses plying to and from all corners of the State.
Shocked over the recent development, the residents of Mawiong mentioned that this transfer of land came to light only a few weeks ago when a big sign board of the transport department was placed at the 11 acres of land acquired by the government.
“We were aware that the government was coming up with this idea and no objection was raised then but the lack of respect towards the Dorbar Shnong shown by the owner of the land and the government by keeping us in the dark about the transfer of the said land is unwelcome”, Mawiong rim Rangbah Shnong SS Lyngdoh told reporters here on Saturday.
Interestingly, the site for the construction of the ISBT was a once controversial site when a misunderstanding regarding the possession of a 60 acres of land had erupted between the Thawmuid clan and Thangkhiew clan and the issue was taken to court and after three months or so, the matter was resolved and ownership of the land was restored to the Thawmuid clan.
Out of the 60 acres, the government had acquired 11 acres for the construction of the said project of which the Dorbar Shnong was not made aware of. “The survey of the land with the Dorbar Shnong was done last year and ever since no information was provided to the Dorbar regarding the status of the said land either from the Thawmuid clan or the government”, Lyngdoh said.
“It was only a few weeks ago that we came to know about the recent development which only goes on to say that neither the party nor the government considers the Dorbar Shnong involved or important”, the Mawiong rim Rangbah Shnong said.
Meanwhile, Dorbar Shnong Mawiong rim secretary Dr N Niangrai said that since the terminus concerns the overall development of the locality, the Dorbar Shnong should also have its say on the progress of the project.
“As per the terms and conditions, before issuing the NOC (no objection certificate), the land owner were supposed to provide a one month notice to the Dorbar Shnong before any actual notice for acquisition is issued and in this regard, the Dorbar Shnong was not informed”, Dr Niangrai added.
When contacted, East Khasi Hills district Magistrate DM Wahlang said the government is not aware of the terms and conditions of the dorbar shnong and as far as transfer of land is concerned, the land was transferred to the transport department two months back.
“To say that the Dorbar Shnong was not aware of this proposed project to be constructed at Mawiong is totally uncalled for as they were present during the hearing conducted by the government for the same”, Wahlang said.
Meanwhile, officials of the transport department were unavailable for comments.
On the other hand, the residents of Mawiong has expressed their determination to oppose the action stating that they will never allow the government to bulldoze the rules and regulation including the people’s rights and local governance.
It may be mentioned the Planning Commission had also approved the construction of an Inter State Truck Terminus (ISTT) at Sumer at a total cost of Rs 26 crore.