Assam Bars Land Deals in Majuli for Non-Local Residents

Amid growing concerns over the erosion of Majuli’s cultural roots and unchecked land dealings, the Assam government has moved to strictly regulate land transactions on the river island. From now on, only individuals who can prove three generations of permanent residence in Majuli will be allowed to buy or sell land in the district.

The decision, issued through a fresh notification by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, effectively bans all new land sale permissions and mutations involving outsiders or recent settlers. The order also applies to Barpeta town and areas within a 5-kilometre radius of Batadrava Than in Nagaon district.

According to the new rules, any land mutation—whether through inheritance or registered sale deed—will be permitted only if both the buyer and the seller are “original inhabitants” of the area, defined as families residing there continuously for at least 75 years (three generations).

The notification, dated June 23, 2025, and signed by Principal Secretary Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, comes into effect immediately. It aims to prevent land alienation in historically and spiritually significant zones like Majuli, home to Assam’s centuries-old Vaishnavite Satra institutions.

Earlier guidelines issued in 2024 had temporarily restricted land transactions in these areas. The latest directive formalises those curbs with clearly defined criteria and legal backing.

Local Satradhikars have welcomed the move, saying it would go a long way in protecting the land holdings of the Satras and the island’s unique cultural ecosystem. “This is a much-needed safeguard. Majuli’s land should remain with those who’ve lived here and nurtured it for generations,” one of the Satradhikars said.

Key Highlights of the New Guidelines:

No land sale or mutation in Majuli, Barpeta town, or within 5 km of Batadrava Than unless both parties are long-term residents.

“Original inhabitants” are defined as persons whose families have lived in the area for at least three generations (75 years).

Inheritance-based mutations are allowed if lineage and residency criteria are met.

Registered sale deeds will be honoured only if both buyer and seller qualify as original inhabitants.

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