The Meghalaya Government is expecting significant progress on the proposed relocation of the 342 families living in Harijan Colony at Them Iew Mawlong, Shillong, by the end of this month, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Monday.
Dhar, who holds the Urban Affairs portfolio, said the Government is scheduled to hold one more meeting before finalising the next course of action. “We are planning by the end of this month. We are yet to sit for one more meeting and we will take the exact details on what is there. So maybe finally we will have the exact report,” he said.
On the issue of defence land, Dhar said the State Government is awaiting a final round of discussions with defence authorities.
“We are awaited for the last conversation with the officials and the Defence people. So, let’s see by the end of this month,” he said.
Asked how much land the Government is seeking from the Defence Ministry, Dhar said no specific extent has been discussed yet. “We didn’t ask how much because we have to discuss first, if they are willing,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the Government has identified two to three possible locations for the rehabilitation of the residents but is yet to receive a positive response from the Harijan Panchayat Committee. He also noted that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has held discussions with the Union Defence Minister on the matter.
“I cannot say by when, but let us have a discussion first, then we will be able to take a call. The Government will accordingly take a call on how to proceed,” Dhar added.
