Meghalaya

The Meghalaya Cabinet on Wednesday approved the amendment to the Meghalaya Building Byelaws, 2021 to be applicable in the Secretariat Hills and the European Ward areas of Shillong. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said there are two categories—public and semi-public buildings—where it has been decided that the maximum permissible plot coverage, which is normally at 50%, will be increased to 60%. He said that this is being done to facilitate optimal use of land and to support continued growth of essential infrastructure. In addition, the Cabinet also approved the Integrated Eco-tourism and Sustainable Agri-based Livelihood Development Project in Meghalaya with a reduced funding of $80 million instead of $145 million from the Asian Development Bank. This was done after the Union government...

In a new development in the ongoing search for Sonam Raghuvanshi, who has been missing since May 24, police today recovered a raincoat from a deep ravine near Mawkma. The discovery was made after officers combed through thick grass, underbrush, and forested terrain in the area. The location is close to where the scooty used by the couple-Sonam and her husband Raja Raghuvanshi- was last recorded via GPS. Police are currently examining the raincoat to determine whether it has any connection to the missing person case. As of now, there is no confirmation on its relevance. The search operation continues with teams from Sohra Police Station, SDRF, SOT, and NDRF all actively involved. Drones were also deployed today to scan the surrounding landscape from above. Authorities are treating th...

The Meghalaya government has started distributing mobile phones to Anganwadi workers across remote areas of the state. The move aims to tackle communication and monitoring challenges in far-flung districts, especially in the Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the initiative on Tuesday during a welfare program held at North-Eastern Hill University. The digital tools, he said, will help frontline workers strengthen the delivery of nutrition and health schemes at the grassroots. “With technology reshaping governance, empowering our frontline workers is key to better outcomes for children and women,” said Sangma. The mobile phone distribution is part of a larger welfare push that includes the CM CAREs scheme, laying foundation stones for a Children’s Hom...

The mysterious disappearance of an Indore tourist couple in Meghalaya has taken a grim turn after the body of Raja Raghuvanshi was found deep in a gorge near the Weisawdong parking lot, eight days after the pair went missing during a trek.  The victim's body was identified by a tattoo and recovered through a challenging drone-assisted operation on Monday morning. His wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, remains missing, as rescue teams continue search efforts. Authorities have registered a murder case and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. Family members have called for a CBI investigation, alleging foul play and possible robbery, citing missing belongings like Raja’s phone, ring, and chain. “There are no CCTV cameras where the body was found. We cannot accuse an...

The body of missing tourist Raja Raghuvanshi from Indore was recovered from a deep gorge near the Weisawdong Parking Lot at Riat Arliang, Meghalaya, eight days after he and his wife disappeared during a trek. A murder case has now been registered, and authorities have launched a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. The remains were spotted by a police drone and recovered after a difficult operation from the steep terrain. A magisterial inquest was conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrate Adiel R. Kyntan. The body was identified by family members through a distinctive tattoo on the right hand reading "Raja". The body has been sent to NEIGRIHMS in Shillong for autopsy to ascertain the cause of death. Additional Deputy Commissioner Mark A Challam confirmed that ...

In a significant political development in Meghalaya, senior United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Dr Jemino Mawthoh has resigned from the party, citing "unavoidable circumstances." His departure marks the end of a long association with the regional party, where he held key positions including General Secretary and Working President. The resignation, dated May 20 but made public on May 31, has stirred speculation over his future political course. Mawthoh conveyed his decision in a letter to UDP President Metbah Lyngdoh, stating it was a personal choice and final. He refrained from disclosing specific reasons for his exit. “I am privileged to have served the party and the people as a legislator and in various leadership roles. I express my sincere thanks to the party for the opportunities...

A massive scam under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has been unearthed in Demdema Block of Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district. The verification drive, led by the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO), revealed extensive irregularities in job card issuance and fund disbursement. Initiated under the directive of the Sub-Divisional Officer of Dadenggre and executed by BDO Cheman D. Shira, the door-to-door inspection exposed systemic fraud. CoMSO, alongside grassroots organisations including GSMC, GSU Chibinang Unit, NGCO, and GFA, played a central role in identifying anomalies. The probe uncovered cases where single households held up to seven job cards—grossly violating MGNREGS norms that allow only one card per family. Shockin...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma called an emergency conference with representatives from all district administrations and pertinent departments to evaluate the situation and plan relief efforts amid the state's continuous floods, landslides, and severe rains. For the next 24 hours, authorities have been told to stay on high alert, especially in low-lying and landslide-prone areas. Departments have been instructed to work proactively to help passengers and avoid traffic jams. Districts will be separated into operating zones as part of the disaster management plan to facilitate better cooperation. To provide for quick response, all field officers have been instructed to remain stationed at their respective headquarters. Affected family should receive immediate aid. The urgent r...

Starting June 1, Meghalaya will enforce a complete ban on single-use plastics in East Khasi Hills district as part of a major step to fight pollution. The order follows directions from the Meghalaya High Court and aims to reduce plastic waste harming the environment. The District Magistrate has issued strict orders banning the use, sale, and production of plastic carry bags below 120 microns in thickness. The ban also covers plastic items such as ear buds, balloon sticks, candy and ice cream sticks, thermocol decorations, and plastic wrapping films on sweet boxes and invitations. Food outlets and vendors will no longer be allowed to use plastic plates, glasses, straws, cutlery, and stirrers. Even PVC banners below 100 microns have been prohibited. Products labeled as “biodegradab...