Shillong, Dec 12 (LatestNewsX) – Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced on Friday that land titles (pattas) would be transferred to residents of eight Tura neighbourhoods through long‑term leases, a move set to end the decades‑old disputes between the public and the General Administration Department (GAD).
The conflict originated when government parcels and offices in Tura were steadily encroached upon, sparking multiple court battles, eviction drives and repeated law‑and‑order incidents.
CM Sangma explained that the decision to offer structured long‑term leases was the result of a careful review and was inspired by a similar programme that successfully resolved comparable issues in Williamnagar a few years back.
“For many years, several government properties and office spaces were encroached upon, resulting in legal complexities and social concerns. Building on the Williamnagar model, we decided to resolve these issues through long‑term lease agreements,” CM Sangma told reporters after handing over the pattas.
Under the new framework, the land will still be classified as government revenue property and the state will retain full ownership.
Nevertheless, occupants of the plots will receive leases that follow clear, transparent guidelines, giving them legal certainty and secure tenure.
“ The objective is to bring clarity and security to both the government and the public. The lease pattas ensure that residents have recognised tenure while the state retains ownership, making future planning and development more predictable,” he added.
The minister noted that the first phase includes only those areas that have voluntarily agreed to participate.
Over the past two years, exhaustive surveys, drone mapping, digital land assessments and public hearings have been carried out to guarantee a fair, documented resolution.
“Sangma emphasised that no locality would be forced into the scheme, indicating that areas still awaiting consensus will be addressed in the second phase once agreement is reached.
“This is a voluntary and consultative process. No area will be compelled to participate,” he reiterated.
Describing the initiative as a “significant step” towards organized urban growth, the chief minister said the regularisation will pave the way for systematic development in Tura and reduce long‑standing friction between the government and residents.
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