The 342 families of the Harijan Colony in Them Iew Mawlong, Shillong, may have to settle within a one-acre plot if the Defence Ministry approves the relocation proposed by the state government. Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang expressed optimism about the outcome but acknowledged that the initial plan for two acres might now be reduced to one, with the possibility of going vertically.
“See, the latest position on the Harijan Colony issue is that we have approached the Central Government to allot us land in the vicinity of Mawlonghat, which belongs to the Army, and we have communicated with the Defence Ministry. We hope that we’ll get a positive response on that,” Wahlang said. “The area that we have requested is quite small, and it’s viable as far as we’re concerned. Once we get a response from the Defence Ministry, we’ll take it forward.”
When asked if stakeholders had been consulted, Wahlang confirmed prior discussions and highlighted their agreement. “We had discussed with the stakeholders about two months back, in November, and they were agreeable to the proposal. By relocating to the area we are discussing, the Gurudwara will not be impacted or affected, and the place of worship will not be touched. So, I think it’s a win-win situation if it is approved. We were initially talking about two acres, but it may now be reduced to one acre. However, we can go vertically,” he said.
The Chief Secretary also clarified that there was no intent to target the residents. “The ball is in the court of the Defence Ministry. We are expecting them to respond as quickly as they can, and we are just waiting for them to communicate with us.”
He noted that the state government has been actively following up on the matter. “In December, both the Chief Minister and the Commissioner Secretary (Urban) visited the Ministry for this very purpose, prior to the Christmas holidays. We are hoping to receive a response soon. The Defence Ministry must be discussing the matter with its officers in Delhi as well as those stationed here in Shillong,” Wahlang added.