Shillong: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has announced that the state government has formally requested the Central Government to allocate 2.5-3 acres of Defence land, located opposite a petrol pump at Ïewmawlong, to facilitate the relocation of 342 families from Harijan Colony.
Tynsong emphasised that if the Government of India approves this request, the process of resettling the families would move forward without delay.
“If the Government of India can approve the allocation of this land, I am confident that the entire process will be expedited, and we will be able to resolve the issue promptly,” he stated.
In the event that the central government does not approve the proposal, Tynsong assured that the state government is fully prepared, having already developed an alternative plan.
“We have a blueprint in place, and while we await the decision from the Government of India, we are ready to proceed with the relocation process,” he said.
He also mentioned that, with the blessing and approval of the central government, the state would successfully secure the land required for the relocation.
On the matter of the Gurudwara located in the area, Tynsong noted that discussions regarding its relocation have not yet begun.
To further clarify the government’s relocation strategy, Tynsong shared details about a comprehensive plan devised by the Urban Affairs Department.
The blueprint proposes creating dwelling units for the affected families on the existing Shillong Municipal Board land at Bivar Road.
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According to the plan, the government intends to secure 3.6 acres of land for the resettlement.
This includes 2.14 acres within the current municipal board premises, along with an additional 1.4 acres located directly opposite the premises.
The relocation proposal includes the construction of 30 to 40 residential flats, spread across 12 blocks, on a 2.5-acre plot of land.
This plan is designed to provide modern, well-structured homes for the families, ensuring that they have a stable and secure environment to live in.