Meghalaya: Deadline for Harijan Colony relocation set for December end
Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has decided to finalize the relocation of 342 families from Harijan Colony by the end of 2024.
Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar announced that a status report has been prepared, and a decision on relocation will be made by November or December.
He added that the government has readied its land for relocation, adhering to the original blueprint.
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However, discussions are ongoing about potentially using defence land near Harijan Colony, which would eliminate the need for government land.
The Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) recently criticized the state government for lack of progress, citing the sudden introduction of demolition plans for a Gurdwara and temple in the area.
The government initially planned to relocate families to the Shillong Municipal Board premises, offering 3.54 acres of land.
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The state government acquired 12,444.13 square meters of land at Harijan Colony for Rs 2 crore in March 2021.
Secretary DP Wahlang proposed allotting defence land adjacent to Harijan Colony for relocation.
The relocation demand gained momentum following violent clashes in 2018, prompting the state government to form a High-Level Committee, which recommended relocation.