SHILLONG, MAY 11: The Meghalaya government will review the relocation plan for 342 families from Harijan Colony at Them Iew Mawlong in a meeting next month, with the option of using defence land still under consideration, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar said.
“I think next month we will be having a meeting again on this issue. We will update,” Dhar said, responding to queries on the status of the long-pending proposal.
On whether the government would acquire defence land for the rehabilitation, he said no final decision has been made.
“We are yet to take a call on whether we will go with the defence land if they are ready or not, or whether we will proceed according to the previous blueprint,” he said. “We have to take a call on this.”
Asked if the Defence Ministry had responded to the state’s request, Dhar said officials were still awaiting inputs.
“My officers have coordinated with them, so we are yet to receive the report from the officer of the Urban Department on what is the latest information from the Defence side,” he said. “Only then will we be able to take a call on this issue.”
The state government has been exploring multiple options to relocate the residents of Harijan Colony as part of its plan to decongest the Them Iew Mawlong area.
