Headmen’s body meets Ronnie over MUDA encroachment

SHILLONG: A delegation of Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong, Upper Shillong, met Urban Affairs Minister Ronnie Lyngdoh on Monday to apprise him of the alleged encroachment by Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) on scheduled areas.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Minister, general secretary of the Synjuk Gilbert G. Laloo said, “We met the Minister to seek clarification on whether MUDA’s Meghalaya Building Bye-Law 2011 will be extended beyond the jurisdiction of the Shillong Municipal Board.”
When asked about the allegations that MUDA officers charge exorbitant fees from residents seeking to obtain occupancy certificates, Laloo said, “The minister informed that the MUDA officers are aware of the guidelines but do not exercise them.” With regard to the 1 per cent cess charged on residents of municipal areas, Laloo said the Minister has assured them that the same will not be implemented in scheduled areas.
The Urban Affairs Minister also allayed fears of the organisation that there is encroachment by MUDA on scheduled areas.
On the other hand, the organisation welcomed the move of the Department to set up an agency other than MUDA to monitor areas outside the municipality.