SHILLONG:
Welcoming the decision of the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) to negotiate an alternative site for relocation of the Sweeper’s Colony from Them Iew Mawlong, the state government, on March 25, said that it has no option but to expedite the relocation process.
“It is a welcoming step taken by the HPC. I would like to tell you once the formality is done, we are ready to sit down across the table because relocation has to happen as the place is in filthy condition and it is not safe especially for children and the elderly,” said deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong, adding that the government is still waiting for the official order from the Meghalaya High Court.
On March 9, the HPC had told the High Court that they are seeking to negotiate an alternative site for relocation and the matter is under consideration of the state. Accordingly, the High Court had adjourned the hearing to allow an attempt at settlement between the HPC and the state government.
Notably, the HLC, headed by Prestone, was constituted by the state government to find a feasible solution for the relocation of the Sweeper’s Colony from Them Iew Mawlong following the 2018 violent protest at Motphran.
Based on the recommendations of the HLC submitted on September 28, last year, the Meghalaya government, on October 29, 2021, had taken over the land at Iew Mawlong after releasing a premium of Rs 2 crore to the Syiem of Hima Mylliem, in its bid to relocate the Sweeper’s Colony.
The three main recommendations of the High-Level Committee include taking ownership of the land at Them Iew Mawlong, shifting of the employees of the SMB, other departments and relocation of “illegal settlers”.
As per the inventory report submitted by the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), a total of 184 employees and their families have been identified as legal settlers that include families of 128 employees of the SMB and 56 others who are working in the different government departments.
Meanwhile, SMB had already shifted to its new temporary office building to pave way for renovating its official staff quarters in order to accommodate its employees, who are presently residing at Sweeper’s Colony.