Shillong, Sept 22: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has declined to comment on the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya's alleged encroachment into forest land, citing that the matter is currently sub judice.

A Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee has recommended a penalty of Rs 150 crore on USTM for allegedly diverting forest land without necessary approvals.

The committee's report highlights that USTM has encroached upon nearly 25 hectares of forest land in Ri-Bhoi district, violating the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

The committee has urged the Supreme Court to direct USTM to restore the affected areas to their original forest condition within a year and pay the penalty.

Rymbui stated that the government cannot comment on the issue until the Supreme Court

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