Assam's Himanta Sarma proposes three‑generation land rule for heritage sites

The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Assam Land and Revenue Regulations (Amendment) 2016, which restricts the sale, purchase and leasing of land within a five‑kilometre radius of designated heritage institutions to residents whose families have lived in the area for at least three generations (approximately 75 years). The rule applies to sites such as Kamakhya Temple, Barpeta Satra, Bordowa Than and the Satras of Majuli, aiming to preserve their cultural and demographic character and to prevent what the state government describes as "cultural aggression."

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the measure will not affect families already residing in the zones, regardless of religion, while reservations for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and OBCs remain. Opposition parties raised concerns that the three‑generation criterion could infringe constitutional rights. The bill also provides for eviction of illegal occupants who are not part of indigenous ethnic communities.