By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has given approval to a proposal for the direct purchase of land in East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills, aimed at supporting upcoming infrastructure developments and indicating a revised approach to long-term planning.
The cabinet cleared the decision with the objective of building a dedicated land reserve so that key public projects do not face delays caused by difficulties in land acquisition.
Officials said this initiative is expected to accelerate the setting up of facilities such as administrative centres, hospitals, universities, and other essential services, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas.
Cabinet Minister and MDA spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh pointed out that the limited availability of land has increasingly emerged as a major constraint for large development works.
He added that securing land ahead of time would help ensure that future projects can move forward smoothly without administrative or procedural delays.
As part of the plan, the government will purchase around 93.5 acres in the Rongjeng area of East Garo Hills, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 7 crore. In North Garo Hills, about 26 acres in the Mendipathar region will be acquired at a cost of roughly Rs 3.9 crore.
Officials said that choosing direct purchase has helped reduce both the time taken and the overall expense involved.
Officials said the land being acquired will be set aside exclusively for upcoming development works, so that infrastructure growth across the state can happen in a planned and well-timed manner.