Meghalaya

The Wahumkhrah River is one of Shillong's most polluted waterways. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma led a critical meeting with officials and representatives of civil society on Thursday to develop a specific action plan for cleaning and revitalizing the river. The government's increased efforts to combat long-standing environmental degradation are highlighted by Sangma's statement that "strategic zones will be identified, with enhanced surveillance in vulnerable areas where littering and improper garbage disposal remain major challenges." "We will also investigate whether bioremediation methods can effectively clean the river." The Chief Minister emphasized that although physical cleanup measures are currently in progress, institutional actions by themselves would not be adequate. "Act...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, during his visit to Wahlyngkhat, Pynursla, announced an allocation of Rs 30 crore for the development of the Living Root Experience Center, aimed at enhancing tourism and preserving the state's unique natural heritage. Taking to his official X handle, the Meghalaya CM informed that he visited the site ensuring seamless tourist experience. "At Wahlyngkhat in Pynursla to see the site for the Living Root Experience Center and also the upgradation of the trekking route leading to the beautiful Living Root Bridges for a better experience for tourists and hikers," he wrote on X.

The Meghalaya government is rolling out tourism projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore, encouraged by a significant growth in the state’s tourism sector. Speaking at an event on Thursday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said Shillong and Meghalaya have emerged as top travel destinations for both domestic and international tourists. Noting that Meghalaya has two five-star hotels, he said plans are afoot for the establishment of three more luxury hotels in Shillong. He revealed that some 700 homestay projects are underway. He said the government aims to increase this number to 2,500 in the near future given increased footfall of tourists. On infrastructure development, Sangma said the expansion of the Shillong Airport at Umroi is expected to begin by September this year and be completed by Ma...

Meghalaya has transitioned from being a power-deficient to a power-surplus state, Power Minister AT Mondal announced on Thursday. He, however, said the status depends on favourable weather and uninterrupted functioning of the hydroelectric units. “All the power generating units of the state are working optimally now,” Mondal said, noting that the total generation stands at 360.75 megawatts, supplemented by Meghalaya’s share from central utilities according to power purchase agreements. “Our power surplus status will continue as long as all our units are in running condition,” he said. For instance, the state loses 42 megawatts if one unit of the Leshka power project is down. Even a minor mechanical fault can affect generation, he explained. Mondal said the government is planning lon...

Conrad K. Sangma, the chief minister of Meghalaya, attended the Thursday foundation-laying ceremony for the Seng Khasi Kmie Indigenous Cultural Centre in Mawkhar, Shillong. For the Seng Khasi organization, which has been preserving Khasi cultural identity for 125 years, the center is a significant accomplishment. When finished, the building will showcase indigenous customs and function as a tourist destination and instructional tool. "It will not only deepen Seng Khasi's efforts in preserving our language, beliefs, and way of life, but also offer a space for visitors to experience the richness of Khasi culture," Sangma told the crowd. The center's role in cultural continuity was emphasized by the chief minister, who called it "a living legacy" that will link future generations to their...

The Jaintia Students' Union (JSU) has urged the Meghalaya government to declare Jowai as the Summer Capital of the state, should Tura be granted Winter Capital status. The demand comes as an All-Party Committee continues deliberations on the proposed winter capital move. JSU General Secretary Neilkee Mukhim stated that the proposal seeks to ensure balanced development and equal recognition for Meghalaya’s three major indigenous communities — the Jaintias, Khasis, and Garos. “If Tura becomes the Winter Capital, Jowai must be considered for Summer Capital to uphold regional equity,” Mukhim asserted. The students' body expressed concern over the continued neglect of the Jaintia Hills region, citing poor infrastructure and lack of investment. The JSU warned that excluding Jowai from capita...

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the Shillong Government College of Engineering has officially been approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to offer courses in electrical and civil engineering, marking a significant milestone for Meghalayan higher education. The Chief Minister posted on social media, "Happy to announce that Shillong Government College of Engineering has received the Letter of Approval from AICTE for launching Civil and Electrical Engineering courses." "This signifies the founding of Meghalaya's first government engineering college." The building is regarded as a major step toward developing the state's technical education infrastructure and giving local students the chance to pursue engineering degrees without having to relocate....

The Meghalaya High Court began hearing a complex case involving a dispute over religious rights to a piece of sacred land in Mawsynram, with two factions of the Khasi tribe clashing over the control of the property. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed by Seng Khasi Hima Mawsynram and its president Tyllilang Myrthong, challenges the control of the land currently held by the Rangbah Shnong Dorbar (Headman) of Mawsynram. The petitioners, who identify as followers of Hindu Sanatan Dharma, claim they are being prevented from conducting their traditional religious practices on the disputed land. In its order, the court noted the allegation that another faction of the Khasi community had wrongfully taken possession of the property, hindering the petitioners’ religious activities. T...

The awarding of the tender for the state's smart meter project under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) was announced by Power Minister AT Mondal on Tuesday, marking a significant step forward for the Meghalaya government in modernizing its power distribution network. It is anticipated that the Letter of Intent (LOI) will be issued soon. "The tender has already been granted. The LOI will be released shortly. To guarantee a seamless rollout of smart meters, we will interact with customers," Mondal said. Mondal acknowledged the public's concerns and pointed out that when new technology is introduced, people often have reservations. Naturally, there is reluctance anytime a new system is implemented; this is true not only of smart meters but of any innovation. Similar difficult...

A bike rally was held in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district on Monday to honour the Indian armed forces and express solidarity amid rising border tensions. Organised by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, the rally was led by Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah and flagged off by Additional Deputy Commissioner Shanborlang Warjri from Golflink. Riders passed through city streets and concluded the rally at the State Central Library, where a short programme was held. Addressing the gathering, DC Kurbah referred to the recent attack in Pahalgam as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by security personnel. She said, “The nation stands united in gratitude. It is through their sleepless nights that we sleep peacefully.” Kurbah also assured that the people of India are with the soldiers i...