MUDA on job, House told

SHILLONG:  Urban Affairs department Ampareen Lyngdoh has said that the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) is preparing the inventory of the structures along the Wahumkhrah River in compliance with the NGT ruling of January 29 last.
The NGT had issued a directive to MUDA to identify and demolish the unauthorized structures which have come up along the river bank.
“We have also sought legal opinion on the matter so that demolition drive does not lead to any conflict with the earlier order of the High Court,” the Urban Affairs Minister said while replying to a motion moved by UDP legislator Jemino Mawthoh in the Assembly on Tuesday.
Earlier, the Speaker AT Mondol had rejected the demand for debate on the motion saying the matter is a sub-judice one.
The minister admitted that there had been considerable encroachment  along the bank of Wahumkhrah adding that “this is largely due to the issuance of pattas by various authorities and organizations.”
“Consequently, there has been reduction in the width as well as the capacity of the stream force since 1994-1995. Several eviction notices were issued besides eviction drive against the residents encroaching into the stream force particularly along the stretch of Macabe road,” she said adding that interim protection had been given by the court from time to time.
According to Ampareen, the High Court in May 2010 declared all the constructions along Wahumkhrah and Macabe Road (from the stretch at Polo junction upto the bridge at Wah Pomdngiem) as illegal.
“MUDA was asked to demolish the illegal structures but the High Court injunction had stalled the eviction drive,” she said.