Shillong, Aug 5: An inter-departmental meeting will be convened to discuss the various angles of the long-pending issue of relocation of Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong in Shillong.
Informing this on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar said officials have been asked to compile updated reports from all concerned departments ahead of the meeting.
“I have already coordinated with my officers from the department to get updated and latest reports from different departments,” Dhar said.
He said the inter-departmental meeting is likely to be held by August end.
Asked if the Harijan Panchayat Committee would be part of the first meeting, the Deputy CM said the initial round will be limited to government departments.
“The meeting will be between departments first and then we will call the people from their side,” Dhar said.
He said the government is seeking a comprehensive report covering various stakeholders, including government departments, Harijan Colony and Ministry of Defence.
“I have told them to be ready with everything,” he said.
On why the matter has remained unresolved for years, Dhar acknowledged the complexity but said efforts are on to break the deadlock.
“Of course it is a long pending issue… it is not easy, but we are trying our best to solve it,” Dhar said.
Temple issue under examination
Replying to a query, Dhar said the matter raised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) regarding alleged temple construction on land allotted to the CBI is being examined by the Urban Affairs Department.
On KSU’s seven-day ultimatum to the department seeking clarification on whether there is any provision to allow construction of a temple on the CBI land, Dhar said the issue was under study.
Informing that the matter is being looked into by New Shillong Township Development Agency (NSTDA), Dhar said his department would go through all relevant terms before issuing a response in this regard.
