Centre asks state government to return Rs 270 crore given for land acquisition
SHILLONG, Feb 26: It is finally the end of the Byrnihat-Shillong railway project as the Centre has asked the state government to return around Rs 270 crore which was given for the acquisition of land.
Disclosing this, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said the state government has received a letter from the Centre asking the state to return the money.
“So, technically, this project will be shut and railways will not be a possibility in Shillong,” Sangma said.
The construction work for the Byrnihat-Shillong railway line has remained stalled since 2016-17 following opposition from a section of pressure groups. They fear that the introduction of railway will lead to the influx of outsiders.
Sangma said there is a proposal to connect Khliehriat in Jaintia Hills with railway. He said the government will go with the public since such projects are conceived for the public only.
He said while connectivity is important, the government also respects the stand of certain organisations opposed to railway projects.
He said the government will examine the idea of connecting East Jaintia Hills with railway only if there is support from the public, adding the government is considering a public hearing on the proposal.
Sangma also said that through general discussions, the government has felt that there is resentment among people over the proposal. He said if there is a larger debate on the matter, it will be great for all.
Asked about the idea of extending railways deeper into Garo Hills since there is already a railhead up to Mendipathar, he said the government can examine the matter if there is a consensus among people.
Meanwhile, the HITO on Wednesday said it stands against the Northeast Frontier Railway’s proposal for a railway project from Chaparmukh in Assam to Jowai. This ambitious railway line is slated to traverse the scenic landscapes of Bhoksong, Rajagaon, Baithalangso, Jengkha, Kherani, and Umrangso, ultimately culminating in the historical town of Jowai.
“As a dedicated pressure group committed to the well-being of our people, we passionately assert that this project promises to inflict more harm than good upon our communities and environment. We also wish to express our condemnation of Kyrmen Shylla for labelling his fellow Khasi and Jaintia people as outsiders. In response, HITO is determined to unite the resilient voices of the Jaintia Hills to stand firmly against this railway initiative,” the organisation said in a statement.