Shillong: The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has submitted recommendations to the Supreme Court that could have far-reaching consequences for land use, construction and ownership in Meghalaya, raising strong concerns among the public.
The CEC has proposed that all roads, buildings, schools, colleges, industries and other establishments in the state be considered as “Recorded Forest” until a final identification process is completed. Citizens fear this could render homes, businesses and public infrastructure “illegal,” similar to the earlier ban that crippled coal mining in the state.
The committee also recommended a seasonal ban on land-cutting, mining and construction works from May 1 to September 30 every year, permitting only emergency works with prior government approval.
In a significant directive, the CEC noted that the entire Mylliem area, stretching from Byrnihat to Khanapara, should be declared a Reserve Forest within a year, though it clarified that private holdings of local inhabitants should remain unaffected.
One of the most striking observations concerned the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), which the CEC said had encroached on forest land without clearance from the central government. It recommended halting all non-forestry activities, restoring the land to forest within one year, and imposing a penalty of at least ₹150 crore on USTM and allied institutions.
The committee further proposed a restoration plan for the Basistha-Bahini and Dighalipani watersheds, to be implemented under the supervision of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
The recommendations have sparked widespread unease in Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills, with fears that homes, educational institutions, and businesses in areas like Baridua, Killing and Khanapara could be dismantled if the proposals are enforced.
The matter is scheduled for its next hearing in the Supreme Court on October 11.
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