In a major move towards strengthening land governance and ensuring sustainable development, the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly has passed two pivotal bills — the Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Bill and the Flood Plain Zoning Bill, 2025. These legislative measures aim to enhance public land management, prevent encroachments, and protect ecologically sensitive zones, particularly in the context of increasing urbanization and environmental risks.
1. Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Bill
This bill provides a clear legal framework for the identification and eviction of unauthorized occupants from government or public lands and properties. Unauthorized occupation has been a longstanding issue, leading to inefficient land use, legal disputes, and obstruction of development projects. Key features of the bill include:
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Streamlined Eviction Process: It authorizes designated officers to issue eviction notices and enforce removal of unauthorized structures without prolonged litigation.
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Protection of Government Assets: The law ensures that public premises are used for intended public purposes and prevents their misuse.
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Due Process: While emphasizing enforcement, the bill also includes provisions for notice periods, hearings, and appeals to ensure fairness and transparency.
This measure is expected to bolster infrastructure development, maintain law and order around land usage, and enhance the state’s ability to reclaim and utilize land for public welfare projects.
2. Flood Plain Zoning Bill, 2025
With a growing recognition of environmental challenges and vulnerability to floods, the state has also enacted the Flood Plain Zoning Bill, 2025, which seeks to regulate human activity and development in flood-prone areas, particularly along riverbanks and low-lying regions. Major objectives and features include:
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Demarcation of Flood Plains: Identification and mapping of flood-prone zones based on scientific and hydrological data.
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Controlled Development: Prohibition or restriction of certain types of construction, settlements, or commercial activities in these areas to reduce risk to life and property.
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Environmental Conservation: Protecting wetlands, riverbanks, and natural drainage systems to ensure ecological balance and reduce flood intensity.
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Disaster Risk Reduction: Supporting long-term strategies for climate resilience, urban planning, and disaster preparedness.
By enacting these bills, Arunachal Pradesh has taken a progressive step toward responsible land use and environmental governance, balancing development needs with sustainability and safety concerns. These measures will play a crucial role in urban planning, rural settlement regularization, and disaster mitigation efforts, setting an example for other states grappling with similar challenges.
