Alleged plan to construct golf course on catchment area
SHILLONG: A day after the KSU, Upper Shillong circle opposed any move of the State Government to hand over 18 acres of land to the Eastern Air Command for allegedly developing a golf course, the Defence authorities have rubbished the claims of the pressure group terming them as absolutely baseless.
Defence PRO, Shilong, Group Captain Amit Mahajan said that the EAC does not require any land for developing a golf course.
“The EAC has all the sports facilities that are required and there are no plans to develop anymore and the land in question is required to develop a Disaster Management Centre. The allegations are being leveled by some vested interests against EAC,” Mahajan said.
He clarified that the area in question is a small portion of government land contiguous to the Eastern Air Command wherein the overflowing Malse Dam runs through a small channel during the rainy season.
“The area between the channel and the Air Force wall is not being utilized by the Animal Husbandry Department as it is inaccessible to them,” he said.
The EAC is protecting the catchment area better than anyone else and ensures the conservation of local flora and fauna, he added.
“The EAC campus is full of lush green trees while the outside areas are totally barren and devoid of trees and vegetation,” Mahajan added.
The KSU, Upper Shillong circle had alleged that the State Government has allotted 18 acres of land which fall under catchment area to the India Air Force for converting it into a golf course during the plenary meeting of the Rajya Sabha Board (RJB) chaired by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on December 4, 2014.