By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 9: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has issued strict directives to the Sohra Syiemship, ordering an immediate halt to fee collection, land transactions and construction activities at the Dainthlen and Weisawdong tourist spots, citing unresolved jurisdictional disputes.
In a letter dated December 4 and addressed to the Secretary of the Executive Dorbar of Sohra Syiemship, the KHADC Deputy Secretary stated that a petition submitted on November 21 had brought to the Council’s notice that the two popular tourist locations are under dispute, with questions over authority and ownership still pending resolution.
The Council has instructed that all revenue collection at the disputed sites, currently being carried out by the Sohra Syiemship, must cease immediately.
Further, the KHADC has prohibited the sale, transfer or issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) related to land within and around the tourist spots until further orders. Any form of construction, developmental activity or erection of structures has also been suspended.
To ensure transparency and prevent revenue leakage, the KHADC announced that it will appoint a receiver to take charge of the interim collection of fees at the tourism sites. All collections must be deposited with the appointed receiver, and no individual or traditional authority may collect or appropriate any amount.
The Executive Dorbar of Sohra Syiemship has been instructed to fully cooperate with the receiver and refrain from any interference at the sites. The District Council warned that any violation of the order will attract strict action under relevant laws and regulations.
The KHADC noted that during the pendency of the dispute, the late Syiem and certain functionaries of the Dorbar Hima Sohra had “assumed control of these tourist spots and had been collecting revenue, entry fees and other charges”.
