Meghalaya Building Bye-laws
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 6: A conglomerate of traditional heads of localities outside the municipal areas on Thursday urged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to clearly define the role of Rangbah Shnongs and Dorbar Shnongs in the Meghalaya Building Bye-laws, 2021.
The traditional heads include Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Nongthymmai Dorbar Pyllun, Synjuk Nongsynshar Shnong Shilliang Umkhem, Synjuk Nongsynshar Shnong of Pynthorumkhrah, Synshar Nongsynshar Shnong Laitkor and Synjuk Nongsynshar Shnong, Upper Shillong.
After a meeting with the KHADC authorities, Rangbah Shnong of Mawpat Juda Wahlang said the role of Rangbah Shnong or Dorbar Shnong is not defined in the building bye-laws as regards the issuance of building permission.
He said they understand that the government came up with the building bye-laws and gave the authority to the district council to implement it in the areas outside the municipality.
“We would like the council to carry this message to the state government that the role and responsibility of the Rangbah Shnongs and Dorbar Shnongs should be clearly defined in the building bye-laws,” Wahlang said.
KHADC Deputy Chief Executive Member PN Syiem said the state government has recognised the council as one of the authorities to issue building permission as per the provisions laid down in the Meghalaya Building Byelaws, 2021.
He said the Dorbar Shnongs wanted that there is clarity in the bye-laws on their role in the issuance of building permission.
“As of now, there is no mention of the role of the Rangbah Shnongs or Dorbar Shnongs in the building bye-laws as regards the issuance of building permission. As a courtesy, we asked the applicants to get the recommendation and NOC from the Dorbar Shnong concerned,” Syiem said.
He said the council involved the Dorbar Shnong since they want to work in close coordination with the traditional institutions. He mentioned that there is a clause where the KHADC as the authority can ask the applicants to submit additional documents, if needed.
“It is on the basis of this clause that we have set this condition,” Syiem said.
He said there are buildings which were constructed before the council had enforced the building bye-laws.
“People come to the council for the occupancy certificate. So, we have asked the applicants to submit an NOC from the Dorbar Shnong in order to verify that the building was constructed before the implementation of the building bye-laws,” he added.