Guwahati: The Assam government has implemented rigorous measures to address unauthorized construction on tea garden land as part of its Mission Bashundhara 3 initiative.
The new rules aim to regularize land occupancy while safeguarding the rights of indigenous residents who have been living on these lands before December 31, 2022.
The Justice (Retd.) Biplab Sharma Commission’s report has been pivotal in shaping these regulations, which adopt a strict stance against illegal construction within tea plantation areas. Any new buildings erected on tea garden land will now be deemed a criminal offense, reflecting the government’s zero-tolerance approach to preserving these agricultural zones.
To assist eligible residents, the initiative offers a one-time relief opportunity. Individuals who have been residing on tea garden land prior to the cut-off date can acquire ownership by paying a nominal 10% premium. However, this relief does not apply to members of the tea plantation community constructing homes on their own allotted land, ensuring that local residents’ rights are respected and unaffected by the new measures.
The Mission Bashundhara 3 initiative emphasizes the government’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of Assam’s tea gardens while providing a fair resolution for long-term occupants.