By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 13: The Opposition on Thursday asked the government to be transparent about the 800-acre plot at Mawkhanu and the possibility of handing it over to non-tribals in violation of the state’s land laws.
The Voice of the People Party MLA from Mawlai constituency, Brightstarwell Marbaniang said the government should clarify its plans for the vast stretch of land, especially with the new secretariat complex coming up at Umsawli.
He pointed out that if proper roads were developed between Umsawli and Mawkhanu, the distance would be significantly reduced, making Mawkhanu a prime location for further development.
Marbaniang asked whether the government considered allowing the district or other offices to be set up in Mawkhanu and how many departments had approached the authorities for land. He also sought to know how the government assesses land requirements for such offices.
“No land has been allotted to any department. The government is still in the process of preparing a master plan and any decision regarding land allocation will be made once the plan is finalised,” Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar replied.
Unconvinced, Marbaniang pushed harder, raising concerns about the size of the land — about 800 acres, translating into 3 square kilometres, a plot larger than Shillong’s European Ward. He asked whether the government intended to convert Mawkhanu into another European Ward, Rynjah RR Colony, or revenue plots.
Citing recent media reports, he drew the attention of the House to allegations made by the Khasi Students’ Union about land in Mawkhanu being transferred to non-tribals and protected by blue tin sheets. He urged the government to swiftly investigate the matter and revoke any unauthorised transfer or lease of land.
The MLA stressed the importance of upholding the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act, which prohibits any transfer of land to non-tribals or non-tribal entities — whether individuals or companies — without legal sanction.
In response, Dhar reiterated that there were no plans to distribute land or convert Mawkhanu into a European Ward, emphasising that no such proposal was under consideration. He assured the House that the government would make decisions only after the master plan was ready. Shifting focus, Marbaniang suggested that the government use Mawkhanu’s expansive land to address Shillong’s pressing waste management crisis. He urged the minister to re-examine the possibility of setting up a scientific landfill and waste management plant in Mawkhanu, calling it a practical solution given the size of the government-owned land.
Dhar, however, rejected the idea, explaining that the government has already identified an alternative site in Nonghali for the new landfill.
Adding to the Opposition’s pressure, the VPP’s Nongkrem MLA, Ardent M. Basaiawmoit sought clarification on whether any illegal settlers were occupying the land at Mawkhanu. Dhar denied the presence of any illegal settlers.
Basaiawmoit, however, urged the government to conduct a spot inspection, warning that unchecked encroachment by outsiders could spark controversy. He pressed for proactive steps to ensure no illegal settlements come up in the future.
Taking note of the demand, Dhar said the suggestion would be considered.
