Shillong, Nov 27: The Khasi Students’ Union – Laban Circle has urged Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Lahkmen Rymbui to evict illegal settlers in Maxwelton Estate and Mahadev Khola, citing environmental and health concerns.
The union alleged that around 9 acres of government revenue land in Maxwelton Estate, under Dorbar Shnong Kenches Trace Oxford Rilbong (K.O.R), are being encroached by settlers without approval, leading to unsanitary conditions, pollution of streams, and health issues for locals. Despite complaints to the Shillong Municipal Board, no action has been taken, prompting the union to build houses for indigenous people as a protest.
In Mahadev Khola, the union pointed out that illegal construction, including shops and guest houses had come up on forest land whereas a 1923 temple permit allowed only for religious use. With no oversight, waste disposal into streams is polluting the area, it said.
The union had demolished structures, faced resistance, and later engaged in talks with the district administration, which submitted a report to the government.
The KSU now wants swift eviction, warning of raise structures in Maxwelton if the issue is not addressed. “If the government fails to act, we’ll continue to build for locals,” the union said.
