Meghalaya

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan, who is on a two-day visit to Shillong, called on Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma at his residence on Thursday. The Chief Minister had earlier welcomed Paswan to the state, describing him as a "dear friend," and expressed his happiness at hosting the Union Minister in Shillong. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed strengthening the food processing sector in Meghalaya, with a particular focus on developing inclusive supply chains that can better integrate farmers, local producers, and small entrepreneurs into the value chain. Paswan, who represents the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, is also scheduled to participate in various government programmes during his visit. His engagements are expected to ...

The Deputy Commissioner of  has prohibited the dumping of garbage and waste in rivers, streams, drainage systems, and along National Highways across the district. The directive follows observations that shops, commercial establishments, and residents have been indiscriminately disposing of plastic waste, debris, sewage, and animal waste into water bodies and roadsides. These activities have blocked drainage channels and obstructed natural water flow, increasing the risk of waterlogging and flash floods. Invoking Sections 30 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the district administration has banned the disposal of any form of waste into rivers, drains, culverts, and stormwater channels with immediate effect. All residents and establishments are directed to use only auth...

In a move aimed at strengthening policing and improving administrative efficiency in the region, the Government of Meghalaya has upgraded the Garobadha Police Inspection Centre (PIC) to a Police Out Post (OP) under the jurisdiction of South West Garo Hills district. According to a press release issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Police, South West Garo Hills, the upgraded unit will now function as the Garobadha Police Out Post. The notification also announced a major jurisdictional reshuffle, with both Garobadha PIC and Purakhasia Out Post being transferred from West Garo Hills district to the administrative control of the Superintendent of Police, South West Garo Hills, Ampati. Following the reassignment, both police units have been formally taken over from the Superinte...

The controversy surrounding the proposed Taj luxury resort at Umiam Lake has taken a dramatic turn. Environmental activists under the banner of the Green-Tech Foundation have now launched an indefinite silent protest at Lumpongdeng Island, escalating the battle over what they say is a threat to one of Meghalaya’s most iconic natural treasures. Early Wednesday morning, members of the foundation marched from the banks of Umiam Lake to Lumpongdeng Island, carrying placards and demanding that the state government immediately scrap the project and revoke the land allotment. Chairman H. Bansiewdor Nonglang accused the government of ignoring environmental concerns and warned that the protest will continue until a written assurance is issued cancelling the project. At the centre of the controv...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, on Wednesday, called on Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi to discuss concerns regarding the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill. The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) and other stakeholders. The delegation comprised of President CBCI, His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Poola, Secretary General, Rev Anil Joseph Thomas Couto and Vice President, Rev Mathew Moolakkat. During the interaction, the delegation highlighted the vital role played by educational, healthcare, and social service institutions across Meghalaya and the Northeast, particularly in remote and tribal regions. Many of these institutions, supporte...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, on Wednesday called on Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi to discuss concerns regarding the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill.The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) and other stakeholders.During the interaction, the delegation highlighted the vital role played by educational, healthcare, and social service institutions across Meghalaya and the Northeast, particularly in remote and tribal regions. Many of these institutions, supported through foreign contributions, continue to serve marginalized communities and contribute significantly to regional development.The delegation expressed concerns over certain provisi...

Meghalaya has stepped up efforts to promote sports tourism by hosting a series of sailing events at Umiam Lake, drawing both national and international attention. Over a span of ten days, the scenic reservoir near Shillong turned into a busy sporting venue, hosting two major competitions — the Indian Sailing League (ISL) and the 4th North East Regatta. More than 280 sailors took part in the events, including participants from countries like Russia, Korea, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Officials said the idea behind holding the events back-to-back was to highlight Umiam as a strong destination for water sports in India. The Indian Sailing League, held for the first time, saw 182 sailors competing across different categories. Fourteen teams participated, and the total prize money crossed Rs...

A cluster of back-to-back sailing competitions at Umiam Lake has brought renewed focus to Meghalaya’s strategy of using sport to drive tourism and infrastructure growth. Over ten days, the reservoir near Shillong hosted more than 280 sailors, including international participants, across two major events—the inaugural Indian Sailing League (ISL) and the 4th North East Regatta. Officials say the scale and continuity of the events were designed to position the state as a serious contender in India’s emerging water sports landscape. The ISL, a franchise-based competition, featured 182 sailors, including 58 from countries such as Russia, Korea, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Fourteen teams competed across Olympic and youth categories, with a prize pool exceeding Rs 1.5 crore—marking one of the lar...

Meghalaya joined the global observance of World Health Day on Tuesday under the theme "Together for Health: Stand with Science," reinforcing its commitment to universal healthcare and equitable access.The programme placed strong emphasis on preventive care, early screening, and strengthening last-mile delivery. Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, RM Kurbah, urged families to make annual health check- ups a priority, stressing that male participation is vital in family health. "We need to take expert knowledge that we receive. Science has transformed lives," she said, while commending the relentless dedication of ASHAS. From the Department of Health and Family Welfare, JS Momin highlighted Meghalaya's expanding infrastructure - 489 sub-centers, 110 PHCs, 23 CHCs, and 11 district...

The streets of Khliehriat were flooded today as thousands of residents, livelihoods hanging in the balance, participated in a massive rally organized by the Jaintia Coal Miners and Dealers Association (JCMDA). The demonstrators are demanding that the state government immediately lift the long-standing prohibition on coal mining, which has been in place since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned the traditional practice of rat-hole mining in 2014. While the government has proposed a transition to "scientific mining," protesters argue that the current regulatory framework remains prohibitively difficult for small-scale landowners and local miners to navigate. The rally commenced at Dkhiah and culminated at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Khliehriat, where a formal petition was su...