Archive · 19 Sep 2025
USTM Fined ₹150 Crore for Forest Encroachment, Linked to Guwahati Floods
A university in Meghalaya, USTM, is in trouble.
A committee found the university built on forest land and damaged the environment, which might have worsened the recent floods in Guwahati.
The committee has ordered USTM to pay a massive fine of ₹150 crore and restore the land.
They also found that USTM cut down trees and disturbed the land.
The state forest department also found that 12.13 hectares earmarked for a medical college also had issues.
Because of these findings, all mining activities in the area are stopped until further review.
The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommended a ₹150.35 crore penalty on USTM for forest encroachment.
The CEC found that USTM encroached on approximately 25 hectares of forest land.
USTM is required to fully restore the encroached land within one year.
The university is linked to the recent floods in Guwahati by Assam Chief Minister.
The CEC recommended suspension of mining activities in Ri-Bhoi district.
- Who
- Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee (CEC)
- What
- Recommended a ₹150.35 crore penalty against USTM for forest encroachment and environmental damage.
- When
- Investigation and report submitted in August 2024.
- Where
- Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, and impacting Guwahati, Assam.
- Why
- Address environmental degradation, assess the cause of the Guwahati floods, and enforce environmental regulations.
USTM and Supporters
Assam Government and CEC
Responsibility for Floods
USTM and Supporters
Likely to deny responsibility and blame Guwahati's drainage system.
Assam Government and CEC
Accuses USTM's construction activities of worsening the floods.
- University
- University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM)
- Fine
- ₹150.35 crore
- Land Area Encroached
- 25 hectares (alleged)
- Land for Medical College
- 12.13 hectares of forest land
- Land Restoration
- Required within one year
- Mining Activities
- Suspended in Ri-Bhoi district pending review
Sources
Meghalaya university built on forest land, says SC committee after Assam CM targets USMT
SC panel recommends Rs 150 Cr penalty on USTM, seeks land restoration
'Flood Jihad', said the Assam CM: Read how Mahbubul Hoque's USTM illegally destroyed green hills, and caused the 2024 Guwahati flash floods
