Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today informed the Meghalaya Assembly that the State Government has identified 41 locations to establish entry and exit points, and that the land acquisition process in this regard is at various stages of progress.
Speaking during a short duration discussion initiated by Mayralborn Syiem of the Congress, Sangma said that work is on to build 24 locations under Phase I of the project.
In West Khasi Hills district, land acquisition has been completed for the entry and exit point at Athiabari and land has been taken over by the Tourism Department. “The PWD has been asked to submit revised estimates for the construction of the facilitation centre,” he stated.
In West Jaintia Hills, land has been identified at Khanduli and Saphai for setting up the entry and exit points. The process of land acquisition has nearly been completed at Khanduli.
The Government has identified five locations for setting up the entry and exit points in East Jaintia Hills district. These locations have been identified at Malidor, Ratacherra, Mooriap, Lakasein and Umkyrpong.
Four locations have been identified in West Garo Hills district at Medhipara, Abhirampara, Phulbari Ghat and Singimari Trijunction. The amount for land compensation has been released to the Deputy Commissioner and the process of land acquisition is in progress, the Chief Minister said.
In South West Garo Hills, three locations have been identified at Mirjumla, Junjuni (Boldamgre) and Aidoba (Janggal) Road. The land acquisition process in respect of Junjuni has been completed.
In North Garo Hills, seven locations have been identified at Dainadubi, Manikganj Mendipahar Railway Station, Mendipathar Bazar, Kaldang and Bajengdoba under Phase I. The facilitation centre at Mendipathar Railway Station is expected to be completed by December this year.
“The entry point at Bajendoba is the most important for which land at Berubari has been identified by the Deputy Commissioner and the process of land acquisition will be initiated soon,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sangma said that the Government has prioritized the setting up of the entry point at Umling in Ri-Bhoi district as it is one of the main entry points into the State.
Land belonging to the Transport Department at Umling was identified in 2019. The Government has sanctioned an amount of Rs 285.75 lakh for a prefabricated structure for the Umling facilitation centre, the Chief Minister added.
