Shillong : The Meghalaya Government is aiming to finalise the proposed relocation of Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong by the end of this month, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar said the government is expected to hold one more meeting before taking a final decision on the matter.
“We are planning by the end of this month. We are yet to sit for one more meeting and we will take the exact report. Maybe by then we will have the exact status,” he said.
Talks with Defence Authorities Continue
Dhar said one of the proposals discussed during the last meeting was to seek land from the Defence authorities for relocating the residents of Harijan Colony.
According to him, the government is awaiting the outcome of discussions between state officials and the Defence establishment.
“We are awaiting the final conversation between the officials and the Defence. Hopefully, by the end of this month, I will be able to share the latest status regarding the Harijan Colony,” he said.
No Decision Yet on Land Requirement
When asked about the size of land required from the Defence, Dhar said no formal request has been made as discussions are still at an early stage.
He said the government has identified two to three possible locations, but no positive response has yet been received from the Defence authorities.
Dhar added that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has already held two to three meetings with the Union Defence Minister regarding the issue.
“We have not asked for a specific area of land yet. First, we need to know whether they are willing. Only then will we determine how much land is required,” he said.
Blueprint Still Valid, Government Has Alternative Plan
Responding to questions on the relocation blueprint already prepared by the state government, Dhar said the original proposal remains unchanged.
He said the government is keeping multiple options open.
“The Blueprint remains as it is. Now we have another option with the Defence. Both options are available. If Plan A does not work, we will go with Plan B. The government will take the final decision on how to move forward,” he said.
The relocation of Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong has remained a long-pending issue, with the state government continuing efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution.