Aizawl, Feb 20: The Mizoram Legislative Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed the Mizoram (Prevention of Public Land Encroachment) Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening safeguards against unauthorized occupation of government and community lands across Mizoram.

The legislation, introduced by Land Revenue and Settlement Minister B Lalchhanzova, replaces the Mizoram Prevention of Government Land Encroachment Act, 2001, which the government said had limited scope and weak enforcement provisions.

Presenting the bill in the House, Lalchhanzova stated that the earlier law narrowly defined “government land,” leaving village council properties, community playgrounds, grazing grounds and other shared assets vulnerable to encroachment. He noted that such illegal occupation often resulted in loss of public assets, disputes within communities and obstacles to planned development.

The minister also highlighted shortcomings in the 2001 legislation, including the absence of fixed eviction timelines, structured inquiry mechanisms, appeal provisions, graded penalties and safeguards against repeat offenders or those aiding encroachment.

According to the government, the new law introduces a broader definition of public land, establishes clear procedures for eviction and adjudication, and provides proportionate penalties. The Act explicitly prohibits unauthorized occupation, possession, construction or private use of public lands.