SHILLONG, OCT 25: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday informed that the state government has decided to take a final call on the proposed relocation of the 342 families of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong before the end of this year.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar said, “You know very well everything has been prepared (by the government). So likely we may take a final call by the end of November. Hopefully, if not November but by the end of this year, we will finalise what decision we should take as a government.”
Dhar said that the government is waiting since there is a request made by the delegation of the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC).
Asked, the deputy CM said, “I am not talking about defence. (They) want defence land but our own land is ready and in place as per the blueprint. So there’s still some discussion left so we are yet to finalize on that part.”
He however said that the government insisted that relocation should be as per the blueprint.
“Yes, we always insist as per our blueprint. Since there is talk and some part is left, we are still waiting for that. But likely we want to close this chapter if not by November but by the end of this year,” Dhar added.
He further said, “It is a suggestion from them (HPC). If we got it is well and good so why should we give our own land. It is as simple as that. We are exploring. Suppose if we get defence land, we don’t have to give anymore from government land. Lastly, if we get a reply from the defence and there is no land, we have to go ahead with our own land.”
According to him, the government land as per the blueprint is around 2-3 acres.