In a historic move after 52 years, the Shillong Cantonment Board (SCB) has finally approved a draft building bylaw for construction within defence lands, bringing it in line with existing regulations followed in municipal areas governed by the state government. South Shillong MLA and SCB member Sanbor Shullai announced the development, stating that this long-awaited regulation-modeled on the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) building bylaws -was made possible through collaboration with the state government.
As per the approved draft: In areas accessible by vehicles, construction of up to four storeys (G+3) will be allowed. In non-motorable areas, buildings up to three storeys (G+2) will be permitted. For plots larger than 1,000 square feet, construction up to four storeys will be allowed regardless of location. Sanbor Shullai informed that the draft has been forwarded to military authorities, and final clearance is awaited from the Ministry of Defence. Board members also plan to meet the Defence Minister to expedite the approval process.
Responding to media queries, Shullai recalled that in earlier years numerous unauthorised constructions had taken place in the Cantonment area, leading to land disputes. The court eventually empowered the SCB to demolish illegal structures, effectively putting a halt to new constructions or extensions.