The Tripura Government has taken a significant step towards regulating and streamlining land diversion for non-agricultural and other purposes by notifying the “Tripura Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Diversion of Land) Rules, 2025”. The rules, which came into force on June 2, 2025, aim to provide a clear framework for seeking permission for land diversion and outline the procedures for the same.
Under the new rules, key terms such as agricultural land, diversion of land, and water bodies have been defined, and the process for seeking permission includes submission of ownership records, identity proof, and a minimum application fee of Rs. 2000. The application can be submitted both online and offline, making the process more accessible to the public.
Of particular note is the introduction of a system of deemed approval for land diversion applications related to industrial zones, MSMEs (up to 1 acre), and registered startups. If no decision is communicated within 14 working days of application, the application will be deemed approved, providing a faster and more efficient process for certain categories of land diversion.
The Competent Authority for approving land diversions has been designated as the District Magistrate & Collector for urban areas and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate for rural areas. Additionally, approval from the State Level Advisory Committee (SLAC) is required for land diversions involving water bodies, after obtaining mandatory environmental and departmental clearances.
The rules also empower the government to take enforcement action against unauthorized land diversions, including recovery of costs as arrears of land revenue. Furthermore, a provision has been introduced for periodic review of approved land diversions to assess their environmental and community impact, ensuring sustainable development practices.
Overall, these new rules represent a significant step towards planned land use, protection of agricultural resources and water bodies, and promotion of industrial and entrepreneurial development in Tripura. By providing a clear and efficient process for land diversion, the government aims to balance development with environmental conservation and sustainable growth in the state.
