Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Meghalaya Govt Probes USTM Land Encroachment Allegations
Imagine a university that might have taken over some land it wasn't supposed to.
A special team checked things out after someone complained.
This team found that the university might have used more than 25 hectares of forest land without permission, which breaks some rules.
The team suggested a big fine.
Now, another group of people are looking into it, and they've stopped some mining while they investigate.
The government says the land was given out legally, but this issue is now in court, and the Supreme Court will make a final decision soon.
USTM is accused of encroaching on over 25 hectares of forest land.
The CEC recommended penalties exceeding ₹150 crore.
Local communities have protested the allegations.
An inspection committee is verifying the claims and has suspended mining activities.
The Meghalaya government maintains the land was legally allotted.
- Who
- USTM, the Meghalaya government, and local communities
- What
- Allegations of USTM encroaching on forest land
- When
- The CEC report was submitted on September 15
- Where
- Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, Assam-Meghalaya border region
- Why
- Due to alleged violations of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Local Community Perspective
University/Government Perspective
Land Ownership
Local Community Perspective
Accuse the petitioner of meddling with land traditionally belonging to local institutions, potentially destabilizing the region.
University/Government Perspective
The Meghalaya government maintains land allotments to USTM were made under existing legal provisions, with fines already imposed where violations were detected.
- University
- University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM)
- Location
- Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya
- Alleged Encroachment
- Over 25 hectares of forest land
- CEC Recommendation
- Penalties of over ₹150 crore
- Inspection Committee Head
- Additional Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi