Friday, February 20

Meghalaya

Fire breaks out at OB Shopping Mall in Shillong’s Police Bazar; no casualties reported
Meghalaya

Fire breaks out at OB Shopping Mall in Shillong’s Police Bazar; no casualties reported

A fire broke out in the OB Shopping Mall, located in the busy Police Bazar area of Shillong, on Sunday morning. The incident, which occurred between 9 and 10 AM, reportedly originated from a hotel situated above the mall. While a short circuit is suspected to have sparked the flames, no casualties have been reported as of the latest updates. Quick action by the Fire and Emergency Services managed to contain the situation, preventing any major damage. The fire caused panic in the surrounding area, with thick smoke seen rising from the site. Shoppers and residents were evacuated as authorities worked swiftly to control the blaze. Darwin M. Sangma, Superintendent of Police for Fire and Emergency Services, confirmed that the fire had been extinguished and emphasized that it was not ...
Rifiness Warjri represents North East in elite Mountaineering Team
Meghalaya

Rifiness Warjri represents North East in elite Mountaineering Team

Cadet Rifiness Warjri from Shillong has been selected to join the elite NCC Mount Everest Expedition 2025, marking a proud moment for Meghalaya and the entire North Eastern region. A student of St. Anthony's College and a member of the 61 Meghalaya Girls Battalion NCC, Warjri is the only cadet from the North East to be chosen for this prestigious challenge. Warjri’s selection follows her recent successful ascent of Mount Abi Gamin, a feat that showcased her mountaineering skills and determination. Her achievement reflects both the potential of youth in the North East and the excellent training provided by the NCC Group Headquarters in Shillong. NCC Directorate North Eastern Region praised Warjri's selection on Twitter, stating, "Congratulations to Cadet Rifiness Warjri from St. Anthony...
CM Conrad Sangma visits flood-affected Garo Hills
Meghalaya

CM Conrad Sangma visits flood-affected Garo Hills

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma visited the flood-affected districts of West and South Garo Hills on October 8 to assess the extensive damage caused by recent heavy rainfall and to review ongoing relief efforts. The Chief Minister’s visit follows a series of devastating floods that have tragically claimed the lives of 17 individuals in the region. During his time in Garo Hills, CM Sangma met with the families of the deceased, offering his heartfelt condolences and support. In a poignant moment, he provided ex-gratia compensation to the widow of (Late) Bijoy Marak, a teacher whose vehicle was swept away by floodwaters, resulting in the loss of his life and that of his son, Wian Chigado R. Marak, in Rongkhon Songgital. The Chief Minister also handed over a cheque of ₹8 lakhs (₹4 lakh for...
Meghalaya’s SDRF intensifies relief operations in flood-ravaged Garo Hills as death toll rises to 15
Meghalaya

Meghalaya’s SDRF intensifies relief operations in flood-ravaged Garo Hills as death toll rises to 15

Meghalaya's State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is ramping up its relief operations in the flood-hit Garo Hills, where flash floods and landslides have claimed 15 lives amid relentless rainfall since October 4. The SDRF, in coordination with local authorities, continues to distribute essential relief materials in the worst-affected areas of West Garo Hills, particularly in Dalu C&RD Block. Teams have also been dispatched to deliver supplies to remote villages, including South Kujikura, Rengrampara, and Adanggri. In Barongpara, the rescue team used makeshift rafts and ropes to cross the swollen river and reach stranded residents with much-needed relief. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister's Office, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), shared the tragic news of two victims, Amerin K Mara...
Meghalaya CM holds review meet after persistent downpour ravages the state
Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM holds review meet after persistent downpour ravages the state

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma conducted a review meeting in light of the flash floods that have wreaked havoc throughout the state, particularly in the South Garo Hills and West Garo Hills districts. Floods and landslides have occurred in the Dalu area of West Garo Hills as a result of the state's persistent rains since Friday midnight. Meanwhile, the plain belt sections of Gasuapara in South Garo Hills have been severely impacted, with a bridge also washed away. On the other hand, the chief minister of Meghalaya has announced ex-gratia for the next of kin of three people who died in Dalu as a result of the accident. To guarantee that relief efforts are carried out in the affected parts of the state, Chief Minister Sangma urged the administration to seek government aid. The ...
West Garo Hills hit hard by flash floods and landslides
Meghalaya

West Garo Hills hit hard by flash floods and landslides

Meghalaya is reeling under the impact of heavy rainfall, with West Garo Hills district emerging as the most severely affected area. Reports indicate that at least three lives have been lost, and numerous others have sustained injuries due to the relentless downpour. The ongoing flash floods and landslides have wreaked havoc throughout the state, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warnings of very heavy rainfall expected in West Garo Hills over the next 24 hours. In light of the situation, the State Disaster Management Authority has urged residents to remain cautious, as thunderstorms, lightning, and exceptionally heavy rainfall are anticipated across various locations in the district. Tragically, on October 4, a landslide in Dalu village claimed the life of Sa...
NPP and VPP demand Mawsynram Civil Subdivision
Meghalaya

NPP and VPP demand Mawsynram Civil Subdivision

The National People’s Party (NPP) and the Voice of the People Party (VPP) have come together to advocate for the creation of a civil subdivision in Mawsynram. During a protest organized by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) at Madan Malki in Shillong, leaders from both parties voiced their strong support for upgrading the Mawsynram Block to a Civil Sub-Division. VPP leader Rusievan Shangpliang called on the local community to unite in their efforts to establish the Mawsynram Civil Sub-Division, emphasizing the importance of collective action. The push for this development is not new. The KSU Sawsymper Circle, along with the KSU Balat Border Area Circle and the KSU Lawbah Border Area Circle, has previously announced plans for a sit-in demonstration in Mawsynram on August 10. This move a...
Meghalaya government approves major expansion of Umroi airport
Meghalaya

Meghalaya government approves major expansion of Umroi airport

The Meghalaya government has officially sanctioned the proposal for the upgrade of Umroi Airport, as presented by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This decision marks a significant step forward in enhancing the state's air travel infrastructure. During a hearing at the Meghalaya High Court, the government confirmed its agreement to the requirements outlined by the AAI in a letter dated September 27, 2024. Deputy Solicitor General Nitesh Mozika, representing the AAI, expressed gratitude for the government's approval and requested eight weeks to finalize the proposal for submission to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The court recognized this approval as the initial step toward the airport's expansion and scheduled the next hearing for October 24. However, previ...
Meghalaya Government approves major Umroi Airport expansion
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Government approves major Umroi Airport expansion

The Meghalaya government has given its approval in principle to the Airports Authority of India's plan to upgrade Umroi Airport. The Meghalaya High Court heard a Public Interest Litigation today over the airport problem. According to rumors, the government has agreed to the AAI's needs as outlined in a letter dated September 27, 2024. Nitesh Mozika, Deputy Solicitor General for the Airports Authority of India (AAI), thanked the government for its approval and requested eight weeks to prepare the proposal for submission to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The court accepted this was the first step towards expanding the airport and put the case for October 24 again. The extension idea was deemed unfeasible at the time due to the fact that it would cost more than Rs 7,000 crore ...
The Meghalaya government goes to implement QR codes on liquor products
Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government goes to implement QR codes on liquor products

In an effort to raise Rs 500 crore from the sale of alcohol this fiscal year, the Meghalaya government is yet to implement a QR code tracking system for Excise Department goods. Speaking with reporters, Meghalaya Excise Minister Kyrmen Shylla expressed dissatisfaction with the initiative, which seeks to use holograms to stop system leaks. In addition, Shylla disclosed that buyers will cover the costs associated with implementing QR code technology and that the department has been instructed to expedite the procedure. Conrad K. Sangma, the chief minister, announced on his X account that all liquor bottles sold in the state will have the ability to track their excise functions in real time via a QR code hologram thanks to the implementation of the QR code tracking system. With a QR code ...