Decision on Harijan Colony relocation likely this month after final meeting: Meghalaya Deputy CM

SHILLONG, JULY 6: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday said the state government hopes to arrive at a decision on the proposed relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong by the end of this month.

Dhar said one more meeting is pending before the government can review the latest inputs.

“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 on what is there. So maybe finally we will have the exact report,” he told reporters.

According to Dhar, one of the options discussed in the last meeting was to request land from the Defence for relocating the colony.

The government is now waiting for feedback from Defence officials following discussions held at different levels.

“We are awaiting the final conversation between the officials and the Defence. So let us hope by the end of this month I will be able to share something with regard to the latest status of the Harijan Colony,” he said.

On the extent of land being sought, Dhar said no specific demand has been made so far as talks are yet to begin in detail.

“We did not ask how much. We have to discuss it first. If they are willing, we will say this much land is required. We have identified 2-3 places but till now we have not received any signal from the Defence, because even the Chief Minister has had 2-3 meetings with the Union Defence Minister,” he said.

“By when I cannot say. Let us have the discussion first, only then we will be able to take a call on how to move forward.”

Addressing queries on the Blueprint prepared by the state for the relocation, Dhar said it continues to be on the table, but the government is also keeping the Defence land option open as an alternative.

“The Blueprint remains as it is. Now we have got another option with the Defence. So both sides are ready. If Plan A is not working, we will go with Plan B. The government will take a call on how to proceed ahead,” he said.

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