The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has submitted wide-ranging recommendations to the Supreme Court in an ongoing matter concerning forest conservation and land use in Meghalaya, which if implemented, could have sweeping implications for land ownership, construction activities, educational institutions, and mining in the state.
Key Recommendations
- Definition of “Forest” to be Finalized Within Six Months
The CEC has recommended that the State of Meghalaya finalize the definition of “forest” within six months. Once complete, all identified areas would be entered into a Central Digital Registry maintained by the Forest Department. This registry will be publicly accessible and include maps, records, and an audit trail.- Implication: Roads, houses, shops, factories, schools, colleges, and other structures across the state could be deemed “recorded forest,” raising fears that such properties may become illegal.
- Seasonal Ban on Construction and Mining
In all hill districts, a moratorium from May 1 to September 30 has been proposed on land-cutting, mining, leveling, and major earthworks. Exceptions would be granted only with prior state government approval. Developers would also be required to undertake soil conservation measures, green belt creation, and buffer plantations.- Implication: Road building, housing, industrial construction, and mining would be halted during the monsoon season.
- Declaration of Mylliem Area as Reserve Forest
Based on historical maps, the CEC concluded that Mylliem was historically a forest area. The committee has directed the state to initiate proceedings under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, to declare it as a Reserve Forest within one year.- Implication: Large areas from Byrnihat to Khanapara could be notified as Reserve Forest, potentially leading to permanent loss of private land and property rights for residents.
- Action Against University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM)
The CEC found that USTM had encroached on forest land without necessary approvals. It recommended that all non-forestry activities on the land be stopped immediately, and that the entire area be restored to forest within a year. - Penalty of ₹150 Crore on USTM and Other Institutions
For alleged encroachment, deforestation, and illegal hill-cutting, the committee proposed a minimum penalty of ₹150 crore on USTM, its parent foundation, and other institutions. The funds, to be collected within six months, would be used for ecological restoration. - Restoration Plan for Watersheds
Considering large-scale mining and hill cutting in over 500 hectares, the CEC has called for a time-bound restoration plan for the Basistha-Bahini and Dighalipani watersheds under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Public Concerns
The recommendations have sparked widespread concern across Meghalaya. Residents fear that entire towns—including Baridua and Khanapara—could face eviction or demolition if lands are notified as forests or if institutions are unable to pay penalties. Critics argue that the sweeping nature of these directives could render homes, schools, and businesses “illegal,” similar to past crackdowns on coal mining in the state.
Next Steps
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter again on October 11, 2025. Until then, uncertainty looms over the future of land rights, development, and forest regulation in Meghalaya.
