By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 10: The Meghalaya government has begun identifying alternative locations for the proposed relocation of 342 families currently residing in the Harijan Colony at Them Iew Mawlong, Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar confirmed on Friday.
Dhar, while interacting with the press, explained that discussions are progressing before any final decision is made. He remarked that the process is ongoing and that details will be shared once the government reaches a conclusion.
Talks with the Defence Ministry, he added, have not yet concluded. “We are still in talks with them,” Dhar informed, pointing out that the matter remains under discussion at multiple levels.
He also acknowledged that the relocation issue is still before the court but stressed that the state machinery is continuing its work.
He said the government intends to move forward within the legal framework while keeping the process active.
Dhar further expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved through mutual understanding despite the pending litigation. He said the government wants an outcome that both sides agree upon and emphasised that officials are treating the matter seriously.
Earlier, the plan was to shift the 342 households to the Shillong Municipal Board’s premises at Bivar Road. The arrangement included an offer of 2.14 acres of land in addition to 1.4 acres lying opposite the SMB building. However, the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) rejected the proposal and demanded that each family be allotted 200 square metres of land within the European Ward, an area outside the purview of the Sixth Schedule.
Meanwhile, the state government completed the acquisition of 12,444.13 square metres of land at Harijan Colony after paying a one-time amount of ₹2 crore to Hima Mylliem, the traditional landowner. The transaction was executed through a tripartite lease deed involving the government, the Syiem of Hima Mylliem, and the Shillong Municipal Board, signed in March 2021.
