SHILLONG: The executive committee of the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SNSBH) has expressed concern over the order of the High Court of Meghalaya to extend the ambit of the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Building Bye Laws 2011 into the scheduled areas.
In connection with the High Court order, the Synjuk has requested the State government to examine the situation and to stick to its assurance given on November 5 as the alleged ‘encroachment’ has perplexed the indigenous people.
The traditional heads indicated that the High Court has not considered the provisions of the Meghalaya Town and Country Planning Act, 1973 which was amended in 2004.The Act is facilitated only in Normal Areas excluding the areas within the jurisdiction of the Autonomous District Council (ADCs) while the Act cannot be implemented with the consent of the concerned ADCs.
The Synjuk has urged the High Court to direct the authorities concerned with implementing the building bye laws to come up with their own building bye laws.
The SNSBH has also requested the concerned ADCs to persuade the State government to contest the order of the High Court.
The Synjuk has further expressed disappointment over the government’s notification describing the KHADC notification of November 6 to empower the headmen as per the rule KHADC (Appointment and succession of Chiefs and Headmen) Rules, 2015, as ‘illegal’.
In this connection the SNSBH has directed the KHADC to pursue the matter with the State government after taking into account the interests of the public at large.
The traditional heads have pointed out that the State government has failed in all quarters despite the rising tension in the State.
