Tura: The Meghalaya government on Tuesday distributed land pattas to settlers of GAD land in the Tura Town Area (Nikwatgre), marking a key step towards regularising land ownership and strengthening land governance in West Garo Hills district.
The programme, organised by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), West Garo Hills, was held at the Nikwatgre Community Hall, where Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma personally handed over land documents to beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister described the occasion as a “significant and satisfying moment”, attributing the achievement to sustained cooperation between the government and local residents.
He said the lack of formal land documents had long created administrative, legal and financial difficulties for families living in the area.
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“With the issuance of land pattas, these long-standing problems will now be resolved. It empowers people, gives them security and opens up new opportunities for development,” Sangma said.
He also indicated that similar land settlement issues in other localities would be addressed in phases, stressing that the government would move forward only with the consent and cooperation of the people.
“Nothing will be imposed. Progress will be based on mutual understanding and public participation,” he said.
District administration officials said the initiative would help streamline land records and improve land management in the Tura Town Area, strengthening governance and administrative efficiency.
The programme was attended by senior district administrators, community leaders, beneficiaries and local residents, reflecting broad public participation in the land patta distribution exercise.
