452 bigha Govt land in 8 localities given on 30-year lease to settlers
He (PA Sangma) would always say, ‘Who are these people living on government land? They are our people, and we must help them’. – Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister
Shillong, Dec 12: Over 750 households in eight localities in Tura town have heaved a sigh of relief as their prolonged struggle for land rights ended with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma handing over periodic land lease documents to the settlers.
These families, who have long resided on encroached government land, had been facing uncertainty and difficulties in availing basic facilities for years.
In his address, the Chief Minister recalled the long-standing concerns of these communities, saying, “Whenever our leader PA Sangma visited the localities in Tura, people would come to him with their concerns about living on government land and the various problems they faced. Most of these localities had no approach roads, no electricity, no water supply.”
“They also struggled to obtain caste certificates, birth certificates, and other essential documents. Years later, when I contested election in Tura, people from these same localities brought up the same concerns. So, I decided to take this issue up. It was difficult, but with concerted effort, we have managed to find a solution,” he said.
At the document handing-over ceremony, periodic lease documents for 452 bighas of government land were provided to 754 families living in the land.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma handed over the documents in the presence of Cabinet Minister Marcuise N Marak.
Recalling the efforts of his father PA Sangma for the settlers, the Chief Minister turned emotional and said, “He (PA Sangma) would always say, ‘Who are these people living on government land? They are our people, and we must help them’.” Conrad paused, fumbling for words, with tears in his eyes.
However, he expressed happiness over accomplishing his late father’s dream, saying, “He (Purno) told me that if God gives you the opportunity, you must endeavour to resolve the problems of our people. PA Sangma always shared with us his vision for the people, the public and the community, and taught us to put people first.”
Reflecting on the decision, he said, “This was a very difficult decision, not a simple one – but because of the vision and principles of PA Sangma, we were able to take it forward and resolve the issue.”
Asserting that the decision was not politically motivated, he said, “I could have taken this decision just before the election, but our intention was to genuinely serve the people and provide relief.”
He urged the localities to accept the land documents and comply with the instalment payments. “I am not forcing anyone to accept it. As long as Conrad is in the chair, we will not evict anyone. But I worry about what will happen after me. So, when such an opportunity is given, people should take advantage of it.”
He informed the public that the land documents are renewable and that the lease amount has been fixed at a nominal rate. He also announced that church land and graveyards will be exempted, and directed the Deputy Commissioner to follow due procedures for allotting land to the respective localities.
The Settlement of Government Land under Tura Town Area, West Garo Hills District was initiated during 2023-24.
The cabinet meeting held on 26 November 2025 had approved the settlement of Government Land under Tura town area, West Garo hills district at 8 localities to the 754 households measuring a total of 149.5 acres or 452 Bighas.
The map of the 8 localities where land settlement had been undertaken was prepared through a joint survey conducted by the Revenue Branch, Deputy Commissioner Office, Tura, District Urban Planner, District Urban Affairs Unit, Tura and DPMU-West Garo Hills, MBMA.
The eight localities are – Dakopgre Ronggi Songgital, ITI Upper Matchakolgre, Meghalaya Survey School locality, Sepoy Colony DC office locality, Deringgagre locality, Chinap Aslang locality and Nikwatgre locality.
As per phase one of the land settlement, the 8 localities having an area of 211.5 bigha was given a lease from the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), West Garo Hills. The lease agreement between the household and the government will be for a period of 30 years.
Every household has to be allotted a maximum 0.69 bigha or 10,000 sq.ft land for which they have to pay land tax at the rate of Rs 2,000 per bigha.
