Meghalaya

Meghalaya’s rich natural heritage has received a fresh scientific boost with the discovery of a rare flowering plant species, Hypericum benghalense, in the outskirts of Shillong. The finding marks the first-ever recorded presence of this species in Meghalaya, extending its known distribution in India and underscoring the state’s importance as a biodiversity hotspot. The discovery was made during a routine botanical field visit at Lumpyngngad Motinagar in the East Khasi Hills, where scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) collected unusual plant specimens growing at an elevation of over 1,600 metres. After detailed examination and verification with national herbaria and historical botanical literature, the plant was confirmed as Hypericum benghalense—a species earlier believ...

The East Khasi Hills Police has launched a crackdown on traffic indiscipline, issuing a strict advisory to streamline vehicle flow and improve road safety in the state capital. The department has declared a zero-tolerance policy for illegal parking on designated no-parking stretches. Violators will be penalised under the Motor Vehicles Act, with first-time offenders fined Rs 500. Subsequent offences will attract penalties between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000, and vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense. Local and tourist taxis have also been directed to park only at authorised stands. Stressing on lane discipline, the advisory prohibits unsafe overtaking and reckless driving, particularly at junctions and narrow roads. Two-wheeler riders have been warned against zig-zagging and speeding;...

Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Monday said that the government will increase the number of STEMS buses for school-going children in the years to come. He said this would depend on how helpful STEMS proves to be. However, the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) has decided to discontinue its decades-old school bus services from April 1. “We have not checked why the MTC has stopped (the service). Until and unless I know the reason, it is very difficult for me to comment,” Rymbui said, while responding to a query on MTC’s decision that has worried parents about the affordability and reliability of alternative transport options, including STEMS buses and private services. The minister highlighted the government’s efforts to address traffic congestion and support students, citing...

In relation to the suspected deadly assault on ACHIK activist Dilseng Sangma in Goalgaon under Rajabala Police Station on Friday, West Garo Hills Police have so far detained four people.The fourth suspect in the investigation was taken into custody on Sunday, according to police sources. Earlier, three people were taken into custody.A bunch of miscreants attacked Sangma, one of the ACHIK members who had gone to investigate and close an illegal stone quarry. The four perpetrators were apprehended after the district police intervened amid escalating tensions following the event. The owner of the illegal quarry, however, escaped before the police could reach his home, so he is still at large. The crisis was contained, and peace talks are taking place in Tura, Phulbari, and Rajabala. A...

Members of the North-Eastern Hill University Students' Union (NEHUSU) and the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) NEHU Unit on Monday met Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar to apprise him of what they described as a serious governance and administrative crisis at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, and sought his immediate intervention to restore lawful and effective functioning of the institution. Talking to reporters after the meeting, NEHUSU general secretary Martin Warjri said the student bodies placed four major issues before the Governor. These include the removal of Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla from the post of Vice-Chancellor, the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor strictly in accordance with NEHU Statutes, early disclosure and action on the Inquiry Committee report...

After a brief lull, Byrnihat has emerged as the country's most polluted city, overtaking Delhi and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR). Despite its severe air quality crisis, the highly industrialised belt continues to lack an effective pollution control authority and strict law enforcement, according to the latest report under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Data for 2025 shows Byrnihat recorded an average PM2.5 level of 100 micrograms per cubic metre, followed by Delhi at 96 and Ghaziabad at 93, ranking second and third, respectively. Noida stood fourth. Other cities on the list include Gurugram, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Hajipur, Muzaffarnagar and Hapur. Byrnihat is home to major industries, including distilleries, iron and steel plants, cement factories and beve...

In the wake of the ‘murder’ of an activist during an inspection of an illegal stone quarry site in West Garo Hills, the State BJP has called for permanent closure of all unlawful mining activities, stressing that decisive action is needed to prevent further human tragedies, while also seeking a thorough investigation into illegal mining across sectors in Meghalaya. State BJP Spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said this while condemning the killing of Dilseng M Sangma, who was assaulted by a group allegedly involved in illegal mining in Garo Hills. He described the incident as brutal and said it had left citizens across the state in shock, dismay and disbelief. Kharkrang said the administration must go beyond making a few arrests and ensure that every individual involved in illegal mining ...

A truck carrying coke plunged into a stream near Lyngiong in East Khasi Hills after its axle broke suddenly late Saturday night. The vehicle was en route towards Shillong when the incident occurred near Wah Myria. Due to the mechanical failure, the truck lost control and veered off the road, with its load of coke spilling entirely into the stream. The truck itself was left hanging precariously, while its tyres remained on the road. According to preliminary information, there were reports of injuries, though the extent of injuries has not yet been confirmed. Following the incident, the spilled coke was later transferred to another truck. Authorities are assessing the situation, and further details are awaited.

The Garo Hills unit of the United Democratic Party has condemned the killing of a man in the Rajabala area, calling it a “heinous act” that points to a serious lapse in law and order and urging authorities to act without delay. The incident took place around 2 pm on January 9 at Goalgaon under the Rajabala Police Station. Dilseng M Sangma, son of Gaban Ch. Marak of Amokgre village in the Phulbari area was allegedly assaulted by unidentified assailants. He was first taken to Bhaitbari Community Health Centre and later referred to Tura for advanced treatment, but succumbed to his injuries on the way. Reacting to the incident, the UDP Garo Hills region said such crimes “have no place in our society” and stressed that the safety and security of citizens must remain a top priority. The part...