SHILLONG: The Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SNSBH) suggested that the KHADC CEM H.S. Shylla and the SNSBH should go as a joint delegation to meet Chief Minister Conrad Sangma before the starting of the Assembly session on September 21.
The general secretary of Synjuk, R.L. Blah told reporters, “We wish to meet the chief minister as the previous talks were unfruitful. Six months have passed but our talks were not fruitful. We the Synjuk and KHADC will go as a joint delegation to meet and apprise him of the MUDA building by-law.” The Synjuk demanded that the MUDA building imbroglio needs to be discussed on the floor of the House and gave clear instruction to the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) as they are ready with the by-laws that they have framed.
The Synjuk suggested that the ADCs can take officials from Urban Department on deputation for smooth functioning if they need expert advice. Blah added that people on the outskirts are still harassed when they apply for occupancy certificates as they have to approach PHE, MeECL.
“The government did not give any communication to District Council or the Synjuk on what they have done and the issue is still pending,” he said.
It may be mentioned that a tripartite meeting was held comprising the State Government, KHADC and SNSBH in May in which the chief minister said that the government has decided, in principle, the areas which are under the autonomous district council and outside the purview of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) will not be affected by the MUDA building by-laws.
In this connection, Blah said, “We sat in meeting with the state government and KHADC in which we said will stick with the Principal Act, 1973 of the Town and Country Planning Act which clearly states that the building by-law will be applicable in the entire state of Meghalaya excluding the areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the ADCs.”
However, he said there is a need for building by-laws as the Synjuk does not want to compromise on safety with the state being situated in a seismic zone.
