SHILLONG, Sep 28: The Khasi Hills Building and Structure Regulatory Authority has decided to go ahead with the implementation of the Meghalaya Building Bye-Laws, 2021, and the issuance of building permission.
Talking to reporters after its first meeting here on Wednesday, the chairman of the authority and KHADC executive member in charge of Building Bye-Laws, Paul Lyngdoh said the process for issuing building permission by the council in the areas within its jurisdiction has already started.
He said the Meghalaya Building Bye-Laws, 2021, will be implemented until the council has its own set of bye-laws in conformity with the state bye-laws.
Lyngdoh said fresh applications are currently being scrutinised for issuing the building permit, adding that the council has already cleared 400-plus housing loan applications that are required to be submitted at the bank for availing.
The authority met a day after the High Court of Meghalaya ordered the state government and KHADC to remove two illegal and unauthorised buildings located on the Umiam lake side of the Guwahati to Shillong highway. These are the Moon View Café owned by Philosopher Iawphniaw and Ever Banalari (restaurant cum guesthouse) owned by Banalari Khongwar.
Reacting to this, Lyngdoh said a final view on the matter will be taken only after going through the order and the same would be in accordance with the law. He added that demolition will be carried out if needed. “As the matter has gone to court, the council is left with no choice but to step into this important area of activity where there is a lot of grey areas. The authority has taken note of all the serious lapses vis-à-vis construction of houses and commercial buildings along streams and rivers,” he said.
Lyngdoh asserted that nobody can raise any structure, building, homestay or hotel in violation of the building bye-laws.
He added that the process of execution of work by the authority has started and application forms are going to be available at the council’s entry point in Shillong and other places like Nongpoh, Nongstoin and Mawkyrwat.
