Tura, Dec 12: Eight localities in Tura town, comprising 754 households, were overwhelmed with tears of joy today as they were finally awarded periodic lease documents for the land they had been living on for years.
These families have long resided on encroached government land, facing uncertainty and difficulties. The documents were handed over by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in the presence of Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recalled the long-standing concerns of these communities and said, “Whenever our leader P.A. 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 the 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.”
At today’s handing-over ceremony, 452 bighas of land were provided to the public under periodic lease documents.
The Chief Minister became emotional as he recalled the efforts of P.A. Sangma. “P.A. Sangma tried to resolve this issue. It was long pending… He 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.
Despite the emotions, the joy of resolving one of the most critical issues of Tura town was evident. He added, “He (Purno) told me that if God gives you the opportunity, you must endeavour to resolve the problems of our people. P.A. 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, “…Being in public life is about serving the people. This was a very difficult decision, not a simple one – but because of the vision and principles of P.A. Sangma, we were able to take it forward and resolve the issue.”
The Chief Minister also clarified that the decision was not politically motivated. “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 the year 2023-2024.
The cabinet meeting which was held on 26th 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 Bighas are given a lease from the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), West Garo Hills on behalf of the State government. The lease agreement between the household and the Govt. will be for a period of 30 years. The maximum area of land to be allotted to per household/family will be 0.69 Bighas or 10,000 sq.ft.
Every household for the lease land may be paid certain fixed/calculated amount annually to the Govt. as land tax (Rs. 2,000 per bighas) (reference taken from the settlement done in Williamnagar at Balsri Gittim and Warima Locality in the year 2022). Every household/families will pay fixed settlement amount/one time settlement amount which will be allowed to pay maximum in 3(three) instalments.
