Shillong: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council is considering legal action to recover the Khasi Traditional Medicine Institute at Lum Sohpetbneng. Council leadership says the facility, built for 9.47 crore, has been abandoned by the private agency tasked with operating it.
During a council session, Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh confirmed that the Centre of Learning, Knowledge and Services has failed to pay the agreed annual rent of 6 lakh since the lease began in July 2024. Despite receiving multiple reminders, proprietor Vijay Byrsat has allegedly ignored requests to clear the debt or explain the lack of activity at the site.
Laban-Mawprem member Ricky Shullai brought the matter to the floor, noting the facility remains completely non-functional. "I am disheartened that a project, built with public funds of Rs 9.47 crore, has been leased out for Rs 6 lakh annually, and today, remains isolated and non-functional," Shullai stated.
Investigations by the Executive Committee revealed significant concerns regarding the state of the infrastructure. Further complicating the situation, the Khasi Traditional Medicine Commission was reportedly never consulted before the lease was signed. Lyngdoh stated that the council is now prioritizing the facility's revival. He emphasized that legal proceedings remain an option, noting, "If the lessee fails to hand over the institute voluntarily, the council may be compelled to pursue legal recourse based on the advice of its legal counsel."
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