Meghalaya builds strategic land bank, buys key land parcels in Garo Hills for future mega projects

The Government of Meghalaya has approved a proposal to directly purchase land in East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills districts to support upcoming infrastructure projects, marking a strategic shift in how the state plans long-term development.

The decision, cleared by the state cabinet, is aimed at creating a “land bank” to ensure that critical public projects are not delayed due to land acquisition challenges. Officials said the move will help streamline the rollout of key facilities such as mini secretariats, hospitals, universities, and other essential services, particularly in underserved regions.

Cabinet Minister and MDA spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh said that land scarcity has increasingly become a bottleneck for large-scale projects. 

“By purchasing land in advance, the government can ensure that future infrastructure initiatives are implemented without procedural delays,” he noted.

As part of the plan, the government will acquire around 93.5 acres of land in the Rongjeng area of East Garo Hills at an estimated cost of ₹7 crore. In North Garo Hills, about 26 acres in the Mendipathar region will be purchased for approximately Rs 3.9 crore. The government maintains that opting for direct purchase has not only expedited the process but also reduced overall costs.

Officials emphasised that the acquired land will be reserved exclusively for future development projects, enabling more structured and timely infrastructure expansion across the state.