According to the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 , what is the maximum radius of the protected zone established around heritage and religious institutions that are at least 250 years old?

The correct answer is 5 kilometers In News The Assam assembly recently passed the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 , to protect land around iconic heritage and religious institutions. Key Points The bill envisages declaring a geographical area within a limit not exceeding 5 kilometers in all directions surrounding notified iconic heritage institutions as protected areas. This regulation applies specifically to heritage and religious institutions that are at least 250 years old . The legislation restricts land ownership and transactions within this zone to original inhabitants , Scheduled Tribes (ST) , Scheduled Castes (SC) , and other specified indigenous categories. The primary objective of the 5 km protected zone is to prevent encroachment and preserve the socio-cultural and religious identity of these historic sites. Therefore, 5 kilometers is the correct distance specified in the bill for the protected radius. Additional Information An original inhabitant is defined as a person whose family has lived in the area for at least three generations (75 years) as of January 1, 2006 . The bill empowers the District Commissioner to evict unauthorized occupants from these protected heritage areas. Iconic locations mentioned by the Chief Minister include Barpeta , Bardowa , and Majuli . Existing landowners with valid pattas (land titles) will retain their property and residence rights regardless of their social category. Important Points The bill amends the original Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886 . Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the bill as the most secular legislation because it applies to everyone from outside the zone, regardless of religion. The law ensures that only those with a generational history in the specific 5 km radius can participate in the local land market to safeguard cultural character.