SHILLONG, JULY 25: BJP South Shillong legislator Sanbor Shullai today asked the state government to constitute a committee to seek transfer of surplus Defence land which include Garrison Ground while keeping in mind the upcoming National Games to be held in the state in 2022.
In a memorandum submitted to the chief minister Conrad K Sangma during a meeting held here on Wednesday, Shullai urged the government to seek transfer of land under the March 11, 2015-notification.
He said that as per the notification, there is a provision to seek surplus Defence land by paying compensation for the same in the form of monetary value or exchange of land to construct a multipurpose stadium for the upcoming National Games-2022 and also for public utility.
Shullai also pointed out that earlier, the state government had also sought the transfer of Garrison Ground for holding public rallies and meetings which are otherwise held on busy roads or traffic junction adding it would help easing traffic with the city.
“Under the recommendation of special committee headed by me we have put forward certain observation to seek transfer of Garrison Ground for the upcoming national games purpose and public utility,” he said.
He said that the Garrison Ground located in the heart of the city is one of the oldest ground used by the people of Greater Laban and other localities of Shillong for various sports, socio, welfare and other activities.
According to him, the Laban Sports Club which has recently achieved 110 years of its existence is the oldest club associated with this ground.
“The ground has been utilize by the public until it was closed by the Defence authority for no substantial evidence of threat or security as claimed by the Defence authority as the Garrison Ground is located near the highway,” he said.
Stating that the Garrison Ground is one among the surplus land under the Defence authority, he however said there are plenty of play ground within the Defence Area which can be utilized by the Defence authority.
He also added that the ground has a history of evidence used by the civilian population adding one of the oldest being the exhibition matches of Shillong XI against visiting Calcutta teams like Mohan Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammodan Sporting and others.
The stadium has hosted single Ranji Trophy matches from 1964 when Assam cricket team played against United Provinces cricket team until 1989 but since then the stadium has hoted non-first-class matches, he said.
Meanwhile, the BJP MLA also sought the intervention of the chief minister on the need to constitute a committee to seek transfer of surplus Defence land as per the March 11, 2015-notificate from the Ministry of Defence for various public utility and infrastructure project.
He said that as per the information received from the Defence authority several acres of land is at its possession adding there are huge lands which are lying unutilized.
“In this connection for the benefit of the people of Shillong there is an urgent requirement for setting up of community hall, parking facility, public toilet, play ground, religious purpose and hawkers market to cater to the demands of the growing population,” he said.
By Our Reporter
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