Shillong: CM Conrad Sangma has handed over land pattas to 21 families residing on govt land at Ronggi Songgital, bringing relief to residents after years of uncertainty over ownership.The beneficiaries were living on General Administration Department (GAD) land. The documents were distributed in four of the eight Tura localities facing similar land-settlement issues.“For years, encroachment of govt land and properties led to court cases, eviction notices and recurring law-and-order concerns. This step brings clarity for both the people and the government and helps put an end to years of contention,” the CM said.Sangma described the handover as “another step towards resolving the decades-long issue of GAD land occupation in Tura Town” and said it would help create a “more planned, orderly and secure Tura Town”.He said the pattas would provide beneficiaries with “greater security and certainty, helping them access loans, certifications, government schemes and essential public services”.The families expressed happiness and gratitude, saying the documents gave them greater security and formal recognition of their rights over the land.The CM said the initiative fulfilled a promise made to the people years ago and reaffirmed his commitment to Meghalaya’s development and public welfare.He said the settlement was made possible through cooperation between govt and residents, which he described as “vital for development and growth”.Sangma assured residents that similar cases in other localities would be taken up in due course. He said govt would proceed with the consent and cooperation of the people and would not impose any decision unilaterally.District officials said the move would streamline land records, improve governance and bring clarity to land ownership in Tura.
