Meghalaya: Final talks for Harijan colony relocation in May
Shillong: After several months, the final talks for the relocation of the Harijan Colony in Shillong, Meghalaya is expected to be held on May 7.
The Meghalaya government is scheduled to meet with the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) and attempt to resolve the long-standing issue of relocating the Harijan Colony.
This meeting is expected to be the final round of discussions before a decision is reached.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar claimed, "It should be the last meeting, and the outcome will be known on that day."
This urgency follows Meghalaya High Court's concerns raised in July 2023 regarding the prolonged delay in finding a solution for the 342 families residing in the colony.
While the HPC initially rejected the government's relocation plan, there seems to be a shift in stance.
According to reports from a June 2023 High Court hearing, the HPC has agreed to the proposal in principle, though with suggested modifications.
The government's relocation plan involves providing a total of 3.6 acres of land for resettlement.
This includes 2.14 acres within the existing municipal board building and an additional 1.4 acres located opposite the current colony area.
The Harijan Colony, also known as Them Lew Mawlong, has been at the center of discussions and legal proceedings for years.