Shillong, June 29: Despite opposition from various sections over the land acquisition for the New Shillong Township Project, the government of Meghalaya has decided to discuss on the issue.
According to the Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh it was informed that the government of Meghalaya has requested the Khasi Autonomous District Council, KHADC to render their help in authenticating the documents.
While stating that the NST is solely meant to bring in development to the state, Lyngdoh said that the NST is not identified for any industrial area by the government but for development and if the government does not buy the land it will lead to rampant, unorganized, illegal construction.
“ Wherever there is revenue land, there is planned and organised construction,” she said adding that a large portion of revenue land acquired by the government is well developed.”
“Is it wrong for the government to try and do it in a new area like NST?” she questioned.
Besides, she also claimed that the government is clean in its approach of land acquisition she pointed out that a procedure must be followed to express resentment against the NST.
On the allegation that the agreement between the state government and Mangdap for acquisition of land is illegal, Lyngdoh said , “The government does not blindly process documents, it is authenticated and evaluated, ” adding that the HIma Khyriem has to sort out the confusion on the ownership at their level first before accusing the government of foulplay.
“The agreement is a clear cut proposal to acquire land which is a viable location. Let us organise it we are not selling it,” she added.
On the difference in opinion expressed by traditional heads, land owners and others, Lyngdoh observed that there is confusion and requested the traditional institution to give direction to the government on the documents that should be referred as authentic.
Claiming that the locals have no problems with the acquisition of land, she said, “We have received several opinions on this which needs to be understand and evaluated,” adding that the government will provide a platform for discussion and not bulldoze its way.”(SP News)
