Tura, Jan 29: The West Garo Hills district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to curb illegal digging and encroachment threatening the ancient Wadagokgre (Bhaitbari) archaeological site, one of Meghalaya’s most significant heritage landscapes.
District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal issued the order following reports of large-scale damage to the protected site, including its ancient stupa and fortification wall, allegedly caused by illegal soil extraction using heavy machinery. Officials warned that the damage is “irreversible” and poses a serious threat to the structural integrity of the historic remains.
The Wadagokgre (Bhaitbari) site, spread across a 15-km stretch in West Garo Hills, has been declared a protected monument under the Assam Ancient Monuments and Records Act, 1959, as adopted by Meghalaya. The protected zone extends four metres around the fortification wall and associated structures, where any form of digging, alteration, or construction is strictly prohibited
The district administration noted that illegal settlements have come up over the years across multiple locations surrounding the site, including Rajpur, Gandhipara, Balujhora, Nayagaon, Belbari, and Timminu. These encroachments, officials said, violate the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act, 1971, and District Council rules, rendering such settlements “bad in the eyes of law” .
The order also flags growing tension between settlers and local residents, warning that continued illegal activities could lead to serious law and order problems. In view of the “emergent situation,” the prohibitory order has been enforced ex-parte with immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.
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