Shillong, July 10: After decades of uncertainty, a major breakthrough has been achieved for residents of the Shillong Cantonment area.
On July 1, the Shillong Cantonment Board approved the Draft Cantonment Building Byelaws 2025—a move expected to bring long-awaited relief and clarity to construction norms in the defence-controlled zone.
Senior BJP legislator and board member Sanbor Shullai confirmed the development, stating that the approval came after “sustained discussions with top defence officials and ministry representatives.” He credited the Shillong Cantonment Area Development Committee for consistently pushing the agenda, which had remained a pending demand for over 53 years.
The draft byelaws, vetted by the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA), introduce specific provisions for granting building permissions. In motorable areas, G+3 (four-storey) structures will be allowed, while G+2 (three-storey) constructions will be permitted in non-motorable zones, up to a plot size of 1,000 sq. ft.
MUDA officials were involved in the review process to ensure that the proposed rules conform to broader urban regulations.
The approved draft has now been sent to the Director General Defence Estates (DGDE) for vetting and further recommendation by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Eastern Command. The final approval is awaited from the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi.
Shullai added that efforts are underway to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to fast-track the final clearance. “If things move on schedule, residents can start applying under the new norms within the next two to three months,” he said, calling it a “historic moment” for those living in the cantonment.
Reflecting on the past, the minister recalled how several unauthorized structures were demolished following court-backed eviction drives. “Although many owners and lessees challenged the actions in court, rulings were passed in favour of the Defence authorities,” he noted.
Once implemented, the byelaws will align with MUDA’s framework but with a height restriction of four storeys—one floor less than the G+5 permitted in other urban areas under MUDA.
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