Dalits object to new quarters by Govt

Urban Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Thursday said the Meghalaya Government has decided to shift Dalits from the Sweepers8217; Colony at Lewduh to a new location at Nongmynsong. He said the Government needed the site in Lewduh for a Rs 19-crore housing colony and other development projects.

When the Government earlier tried to evict the 350 families in Lewduh, they got a stay from court. Lyngdoh said the Government would explore legal options if the residents refused to move out, adding that they will get new quarters in Nongmynsong. 8220;The area has become congested and the Government needs the land for further development,8221; he explained, adding that Shillong Municipal Board SMB Chief Executive Officer W L Lyngdoh had been holding discussions with the residents.

Lyngdoh said there were plans to construct a flyover from Mahatma Gandhi Road to Lewduh with Rs 84 crore from the Centre. He said nine acres of defence land would be acquired for the project.