Meghalaya

In a major crackdown on polluters, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has shut down six industrial units in Byrnihat for failing to comply with environmental norms. The action follows inspections conducted in the industrial belt on January 24, 27, and 31, revealing severe lapses in pollution control measures. The industrial hub of Byrnihat, located along the Assam-Meghalaya border in the Ri-Bhoi district, has been a repeated offender in pollution-related violations. Despite previous warnings and actions by regulatory authorities, industries in the area continue to flout environmental norms, raising concerns about air and water pollution levels affecting local communities. The units served closure notices include Shyam Century Ferrous Ltd, Khasi Alloys Ltd, SR (India) B...

Police have arrested another person in connection with the bomb threat case. On January 23, police had arrested Edward Maiong for issuing an SMS threatening to plant multiple bombs in the city. While the police are trying to establish if the duo is linked to any militant group, it has been ascertained that this was the first time Maiong had issued such a threat. Earlier, a person filed an FIR that he received an SMS from an unknown number threatening to plant multiple bombs in the city. The sender of the message had identified himself as a member of the “Ri-Bhoi gang”.Following this, police arrested Maiong from his temporary residence at Lower New Colony, Laitumkhrah.

BJP leader Mariahom Kharkrang on Tuesday strongly advocated the introduction of railways in the state at least for freight transport, arguing that it would be a more effective way to check infiltration while also boosting the economy.Kharkrang said railways provide better monitoring of passengers than roadways, as travellers are required to disembark at designated stations, making it easier to track and verify their identities. He made it clear that it was his personal opinion and not that of the party which is yet to discuss the issue.Kharkrang suggested that if concerns persist over passenger trains, Meghalaya should at least start with goods trains to tap into their economic benefits. He explained that rail connectivity would reduce transportation costs, enabling farmers to sell the...

Pynshngaiñ Kurbah has created history by securing Meghalaya’s first-ever National Games medal, winning bronze in the Canoe Men Slalom event at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma took to social media to celebrate the achievement, hailing Kurbah’s performance as a landmark moment for the state. "Our heart swells with pride as Pynshngaiñ Kurbah paddled his way to 3rd place in Canoe Men Slalom, winning Meghalaya’s 1st medal in the 38th #NationalGames, Uttarakhand. Congratulations, Pynshgaiñ! We are so proud of you!" CM Sangma tweeted. The historic medal adds momentum to Meghalaya’s push to host the 2027 National Games. CM Sangma recently sought support from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, receiving positive indications for the state’s bid. The Indian O...

According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, Meghalaya's cement sector has elevated the state to one of India's leading manufacturers. Meghalaya's abundant limestone supplies are a major factor in the expansion of India's infrastructure. As per the survey, around 87 per cent of the cement industry is concentrated in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Meghalaya and West Bengal. Meghalaya, with its vast limestone reserves, plays a crucial role in cement production. Cement from the state supports key national projects, including highways, railways, and housing schemes, the survey added.

Shillong will probably continue to be the sole Indian capital without a railway line since the state government has not persuaded political parties, civil society organisations, or pressure groups to support the railway projects. The Ministry of Railways has now put the onus on the state government to convince the stakeholders within a time limit. Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday stopped short of calling off the two railway projects—Tetelia-Byrnihat and Byrnihat-Shillong—for which around Rs 200 crore has been sanctioned. Vaishnaw argued that convincing the stakeholders is the sole duty of the state government. “As per our Constitution, both the Centre and the states have their own responsibility to carry out such projects of national importance with huge economic signifi...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on February 3 to address critical challenges in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the state. Sangma highlighted several pressing issues impacting the rural development program, particularly the delay in wage payments and the challenges faced by remote regions in utilizing digital systems. The CM made a formal request for intervention in three key areas: Wage Settlement: The immediate release of pending wages for workers from the 2023-24 fiscal year. Technology Challenges: Streamlining the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) application to ensure its functionality in Meghalaya’s remote regions. Financial Clearance: Resolving material li...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday said the Union Budget 2025-26 is growth-oriented and will help transform the hilly state. "Grateful to Hon'ble Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman for a growth-oriented budget focused on agriculture, MSMEs, connectivity, and youth opportunities. Initiatives like PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana, enhanced MSME credit, and UDAN will transform Meghalaya," he said in a post on X. He said the modified UDAN scheme announced in the budget aimed at enhancing regional connectivity through helipads and smaller airports for hilly, aspirational and North Eastern regional districts will give wings to regional connectivity for tourist destinations in the region. It will also help improve connectivity in hilly states like Meghalaya, Sangma said.

The Smart Meter project in Meghalaya has come to a standstill as the state government is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Power to proceed with the installation.The delay primarily revolves around financial concerns, with the quoted price for installation exceeding the state’s estimated budget. Informing that the project has already been tendered, but the cost proposed by the contractor is significantly higher than anticipated, Power Minister AT Mondal revealed that similar pricing has been observed in other Northeastern states and they have raised the issue with the central government, seeking further discussions before moving ahead. Stating that the matter has been placed before the Government of India, and he has personally brought it up at the Power Ministers’ Conference, ...