Assam’s zero tolerance for encroachment: new construction ban in key towns

In a decisive step to strengthen Assam’s zero-tolerance stance against encroachment, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a ban on construction of new housing by unauthorized individuals in cities such as Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. This is an important part of the state’s strategy to combat illegal encroachment, especially in areas surrounding tea gardens. The Chief Minister clarified on social media that this ban does not apply to tea garden workers who build their own houses.

Highlighting the state’s commitment to land reforms, Sarma recently launched Mission Basundhara 3.0 at an event in Guwahati. The initiative aims to grant land rights to Assam’s indigenous population, continuing the government’s ongoing efforts to prioritize land ownership for indigenous communities since 2021.

The Mission has already made notable progress, with the first edition processing eight lakh applications in nine months. With MB 3.0, the Sarma government intends to accelerate land allocation and improve transparency in land-related services, thereby further protecting the rights and identity of the indigenous people of Assam.

(With input from agencies.)