‘Govt firm on relocation of Harijan Colony residents’

SHILLONG, July 27: The state government is firm in its commitment of relocating the residents of Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong asserted on Wednesday.
“The relocation will take place once we are ready with the blueprint on how to proceed with this exercise,” Tynsong told reporters.
He said the Urban Affairs department has been asked to identify two or three more areas in addition to the land behind Reid Provincial Chest Hospital at Mawbah.
Reminded about the opposition to the proposed move from the Dorbar Shnong and residents of Mawbah, Tynsong said the government had other options even if there is opposition to the relocation of the residents of Harijan Colony to Mawbah or if the government is unable to find any suitable location elsewhere.
While he did not elaborate on the ‘other options’, he said that if the state government is not able to find enough land to accommodate all the families together, they will be shifted and rehabilitated in different areas.
“There has to be some kind of adjustment. But nothing can be finalised until the blueprint is ready,” he said.
When prodded, the deputy CM said he would not be able to spell out the details as of now.
It may be recalled that Tynsong had stated that Mawbah was the most appropriate location for relocation of the Harijan Colony residents.
“Right now, that place seems to be the most appropriate area but I will contact the Urban Affairs department as it is yet to submit the blueprint to me,” he had said.