Meghalaya seeks Centre’s permission to acquire land in 150-yard belt for Indo-Bangladesh fencing

The Meghalaya government has appealed to the Centre to acquire land that falls within the 150-yard restricted zone along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The goal is to help authorities complete border fencing in areas where the restriction is currently limiting construction.

Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong said the state has submitted the proposal to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He said the 150-yard limit from the international border often makes it difficult to carry out fencing work smoothly in several stretches.

Why the restricted belt is creating gaps

Tynsong said the existing restriction can leave villages, farmland, and other private properties outside the proposed fence in many locations. He said this situation can expose residents to security risks and also creates practical problems for safeguarding the frontier.

The state government’s position is that if the Centre acquires land within the restricted belt, residents can be relocated appropriately. Tynsong said this would allow fencing to be completed without leaving inhabited areas beyond the fence. He added that the measure is expected to support stronger surveillance and better management of the border.

State links fencing to border security concerns

Tynsong also reiterated Meghalaya’s long-standing demand for permission to erect fencing closer to the zero line wherever conditions permit. He said the issue has been raised with the Centre because the state faces unique geographical challenges along the international boundary.

The renewed appeal comes against concerns related to cross-border infiltration, smuggling, and other illegal activities in unfenced areas. Meghalaya’s border with Bangladesh is about 443 km, and the government has maintained that completing fencing is important for national security while protecting communities living along the international border.