Assam Passes Land Protection Bill for Heritage Institutions

Assam passed the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on 29 July 2026. The Bill regulates land ownership and land transactions within a protected zone of up to 5 km around heritage and religious institutions that are at least 250 years old.

Protected Heritage Zone

The Bill applies to heritage and religious institutions of all communities that are 250 years old or more. It creates a legal buffer zone of up to 5 km around such institutions for land regulation and protection.

Eligible Landholders and Buyers

Only original inhabitants, Scheduled Tribe communities, Scheduled Caste communities, indigenous ethnic communities, and other specified disadvantaged groups can buy, sell, and possess land in the protected area. The indigenous ethnic communities named in the Bill include Ahom, Moran, Motok, Chutia, and Koch Rajbonshi.

Definition of Original Inhabitant and Enforcement

An original inhabitant is defined as a person whose family has lived in the area for at least three generations as of 1 January 2006. The Bill counts one generation as 25 years and gives the district commissioner power to evict unauthorised occupants from the protected heritage area.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Assam Land and Revenue Regulation is a major land law framework in the state of Assam.
• Kamakhya Temple is a Shakti Peetha located in Guwahati and is one of the best-known religious sites in Assam.
• Barpeta Satra and Majuli sattras are linked to the Vaishnavite satra tradition of Assam.
• Poa Macca at Hajo is a well-known pilgrimage site associated with both Hindu and Islamic traditions.

Earlier Law and Amendment

An earlier version of the law was passed in 2024 but did not come into force. The 2026 amendment adds a fixed cut-off date of 1 January 2006 and defines the length of a generation for legal use.