SHILLONG, Aug 3: The Laban Circle of Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Thursday exerted pressure on the state government, demanding the eviction of illegal settlers and demolition of all illegal structures at the well-known Hindu temple Mahadev Khola, Lower Lawsohtun.
After a joint inspection of the site along with Forest department officials, KSU Laban Circle president, Reuben Najiar told reporters the state’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) assured the union that he would take all necessary steps after receiving the report from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), East Khasi Hills.
Prior to the joint inspection, the members of KSU’s Laban Circle had met the PCCF.
Najiar said the Forest department had allocated land for the construction of a temple at Mahadev Khola in 1923, adding that it was clearly mentioned the land should not be used for any other purposes.
“But we witnessed many illegal structures coming up over the years. People who come from outside are allowed to stay here on payment of Rs 100. These people stay here till they manage to acquire necessary documents to be able to settle in other localities,” the KSU leader said.
He said the union received information that some people submitted a petition to the Forest department, requesting the conversion of this forest area for non-forest purposes, such as constructing guesthouses and other infrastructures.
“We will insist that steps are taken to demolish all the illegal structures. We also demand that the government should not give any permission to convert this portion of the land for non-forest purposes,” Najiar said.
He alleged the illegal settlers are polluting Umjasai river by directly releasing waste into it. He said the Dorbar Shnong of Lawsohtun is using this river source to supply potable water to the locality.
Earlier, the KSU members had carried out a spot inspection and detected that the site turned into a habitation in violation of lease conditions.
They found 30 to 40 families from outside staying at Mahadev Khola. Many shops, owned by a non-tribal, also came up without obtaining any valid documents.
Najiar said the union will follow it up to make sure all the illegal structures are demolished by the state government.
Meanwhile, Range Officer SM Lyngdoh said the Forest department will first need to verify the KSU’s findings.
“I will submit my report to my superiors who will then take a call on the steps that are required to be taken,” Lyngdoh said.
On July 5, the students’ body submitted a petition to the DFO of East Khasi Hills on the alleged illegal settlements at the site of the Hindu temple.
