Functions and Power
The function of the Authority is to promote and secure proper planning and development of the towns through enforcement and implementation of the Master Plan.
While discharging its duties, the Authority has to carry out surveys of the area, prepare reports of such surveys, and perform any other function which is supplemental, incidental and consequential to the above.
The Authority also prepares Schemes in areas notified as scheme areas under Section 15 of the Act. A scheme area can be any area within the Master Plan boundary, and even virgin area can be notified as a scheme area.
In other words, all action plans and project planning are among the main functions of the Authority. In regard to enforcement of the Master Plan and land-use controls as envisaged in the Act, all powers vest with the Authority.
According to Section 171 of the Meghalaya Municipal Act, 1973 (Assam Municipal Act, 1956, as adopted by Meghalaya), the power of giving sanction to erect, materially alter or re-erect any building vests in the Authority. This ensures that no construction takes place in violation of the provisions of the Master Plan.