KHADC to seek fresh discussion with Govt over MUDA issue

SHILLONG, MAY 14: The ruling People’s Democratic Alliance in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has decided to seek fresh discussion with the state government on the issue related to the implementation of the state’s building byelaws in Sixth Schedule areas.

The decision was taken at a meeting convened by the Council’s chief PN Syiem with the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SNSBH), a conglomeration of traditional headmen, held here on Monday.

This also came one day ahead of the tripartite meeting between the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government, KHADC and the traditional heads to be held on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Syiem said that all talks with regards to the matter held with the previous state government led by the Congress have come to an end.

“This is because we have decided to seek fresh discussion with the newly formed state government during the meeting to be held with the chief minister Conrad K Sangma tomorrow,” he said.

Earlier during the tripartite meeting held in December 14, last year, the state government had decided to withdraw the MUDA from implementing the building byelaws in non-municipal areas following strong opposition from several quarters.

The state government had also decided to appoint local authorities as per the provisions of the Meghalaya Town and Country Planning Act, 1973 for enforcing the building byelaws to ensure building constructions in areas falling outside the municipality are regulated.

Earlier, the CEM had stated that the fresh talks was to ensure that the government takes into consideration the suggestions given by the district council and the traditional heads especially with regards to the need to amend the Meghalaya Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act, 2004 which allows MUDA to extend the operation of the building byelaws in scheduled areas.

As per the amended Act 2004, Syiem had pointed out that section 1 sub-section (2) of the original Meghalaya Town and Country Planning Act which clearly states “It shall extend to the whole of Meghalaya excluding the Autonomous Districts” – has been deleted.

Meanwhile, KHADC chief informed that the meeting has decided not to discuss the issue pertaining to the KHAD (Village Administration) Bill, 2014 as the matter is now pending with the Committee constituted by the executive committee recently.

“We have decided to allow this Committee headed by the Deputy CEM Teilinia Thangkhiew to invite views and suggestions from the MDCs and traditional heads before finalizing the Bill for its re-introduction in the House,” he said.

By Our Reporter