Meghalaya’s Grow Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) on Tuesday demolished six illegally constructed houses in the area bordering Assam. GHADC Deputy Chief Executive Member Nikman Ch Marak said that these houses were built without any legal documents and notices had already been issued to the residents.
Occupants failed to show documents
GHADC had clearly warned those people that action would be taken if they could not show the land documents to prove their occupation legal. But even after the deadline, these people did not provide any valid documents. Due to this, the council had to take strict action and the construction was demolished.
Eye on people of Assam origin
Marak said that some people of Assam origin are constantly trying to encroach on the council’s land. Such incidents have come to light many times before. By identifying such people, the council is now working closely with local village heads like Nokma and Rangbah Shanong so that such encroachments can be stopped in time.
Step taken inspired by Assam’s example
The GHADC official said that just as the Assam government has taken strict action against encroachment on its state’s borders, the Meghalaya council also had to take a tough stand to protect its jurisdiction. He said that if these steps are not taken in time, more complications may arise in the future.
Solution is possible only with alocal cooperation
The council believes that such problems can be dealt with only with the cooperation and vigilance of the local people. That is why the council has also included rural communities in this campaign. The role of local chiefs also becomes important because they understand the situation of the area well and can alert the administration on time.
