Shillong, Mar 6: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has reassured stakeholders in Meghalaya that the government will not bypass the Land Transfer Act with the implementation of the Meghalaya Investment Promotion Agency.

Sangma emphasized that the agency will follow the same provisions as other government agencies, such as the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).

The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of the Land Transfer Act in protecting the people of Meghalaya.

He noted that the government requires the institutionalization of systems to ensure ease of doing business, particularly in areas like healthcare and education.

The proposed conversion of forest land into an industrial estate in Byrnihat has raised concerns among local legislators, including VPP legislator Heaving Stone Kharpran.

Kharpran emphasized the need to strike a balance between environmental protection and development, citing the area’s green cover and air purification role.

Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit also expressed concerns about the project’s environmental impact and the need for consultation with local communities.

Basaiawmoit suggested that the government engage with the Assam counterpart to improve the environment in the area, citing the Sarkaria Commission on Interstate Council.

Sangma assured the House that the government will move forward with the proposal only if local people are comfortable with the plan.

He also informed the House that the 137 acres of land proposed for the industrial estate is not recorded forest land.