The Meghalaya government has started handing over land pattas under long-term lease arrangements to eight localities in Tura Town, signalling a decisive move to address long-standing disputes over encroached government land. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the initiative aims to resolve issues that have troubled residents and the General Administration Department (GAD) for decades.
Several government-owned properties and office spaces in Tura had been encroached upon over the years, triggering prolonged legal battles, eviction notices and recurring law-and-order concerns. Describing the new policy as a practical resolution to a complex challenge, Sangma said the leases provide a way forward that balances the interests of both the state and local communities.
Under the arrangement, the land will continue to be classified as government revenue land, but families currently residing on it will be granted long-term leases based on clearly defined and transparent criteria. The chief minister noted that the approach is intended to prevent future disputes while offering residents greater clarity and security regarding their occupancy.
The model follows a similar initiative rolled out in Williamnagar two to three years ago, which the government considers successful. In Tura, the first phase covers localities that have already agreed to the process. These areas have undergone extensive groundwork over the past two years, including surveys, drone and digital mapping, and public hearings.
Localities that have not yet opted in will be included in a second phase, with the government stressing that participation remains voluntary and that no area will be forced into the arrangement. The move is being viewed as an important step towards more orderly urban development in Tura, while acknowledging the realities faced by communities that have lived on the land for generations.
