Meghalaya

Cement and clinker movement from Meghalaya has come to a standstill since October 27 due to an illegal strike called by the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners Association (MCTOA). The blockade has disrupted dispatches from all major cement plants in Jaintia Hills, leading to an acute shortage of cement across Meghalaya and all North Eastern States. The strike was called by the newly formed MCTOA, demanding that government-notified transport rates should be given for inter state transportation outside the state of Meghalaya. This demand has no legal validity, since the fixation of freight for inter-state movement falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Union Government as per the Constitution of India. Transportation rates within the State are already implemented in full complian...

As Meghalaya prepares to celebrate the 50th edition of the 100 Drums Wangala Festival, excitement is building for performances by child stars Jetshen Dohna of SaReGaMa fame and Binita Chetry from Britain’s Got Talent. The milestone event will be held from November 6 to 8 at Wangala A’dam, Chibragre, West Garo Hills, highlighting five decades of tradition, rhythm, and community gratitude. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma will inaugurate the three-day festival as Chief Guest, joined by several Union Ministers and distinguished personalities. The Wangala Festival, a post-harvest thanksgiving ceremony honoring Misi Saljong—the revered “Great Giver”—showcases Garo heritage through music, dance, and rituals. This year’s celebration will feature over 300 drummers and 3,000 dancers across ten conting...

Preparations are in full swing for the grand 100th Wangala Festival, often called the “Festival of 100 Drums,” as the Garo Hills gears up to celebrate its century edition with unmatched enthusiasm and cultural pride. In the run-up to the milestone celebration, hundreds of performers from across the region have begun rigorous practice sessions, perfecting the rhythmic beats of the dama (traditional drum) and the graceful Wangala dance. The rehearsals, held at various community grounds in and around Tura, showcase the unity and spirit of the Garo community. Organizers said this year’s festival will be “bigger, brighter, and more vibrant than ever,” featuring traditional music, indigenous games, and cultural exhibitions that highlight Garo heritage. The 100th edition will also witness par...

The construction of the new Meghalaya Legislative Assembly building is expected to be completed by June 2026, according to Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, who chaired a review meeting on Wednesday to assess the project's progress. The Speaker informed that the original completion target was March 2025, but the vendors responsible for interior works have sought an extension of around six months to complete crucial components such as the main hall, reception area, and lobby. To ensure timely execution, Sangma announced that monthly review meetings will be conducted, with the next meeting scheduled for December 8, 2025. He expressed confidence that the Autumn Session of 2026 will be held in the new building. Highlighting the complexity of the project, the Speaker said it involves sever...

The construction of the new Meghalaya Legislative Assembly building is expected to be completed by June 2026, according to Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, who chaired a review meeting on Wednesday to assess the project's progress. The Speaker informed that the original completion target was March 2025, but the vendors responsible for interior works have sought an extension of around six months to complete crucial components such as the main hall, reception area, and lobby. To ensure timely execution, Sangma announced that monthly review meetings will be conducted, with the next meeting scheduled for December 8, 2025. He expressed confidence that the Autumn Session of 2026 will be held in the new building. Highlighting the complexity of the project, the Speaker said it involves sever...

The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has taken strong action against a road construction agency after reports and viral videos showed debris from the ongoing Shillong–Dawki highway project being dumped into the Umngot River, one of India’s clearest and most scenic water bodies. The project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has been under construction since December 2021. Locals and environmental watchers raised alarm after the river, famous for its glass-like clarity, was seen turning murky from waste material washed down from excavation sites. Residents who depend heavily on tourism expressed concern that pollution could damage the river’s fragile ecosystem and harm the region’s global reputation among travellers. Following inspections, th...

The Meghalaya Cricket Association has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming BCCI U-23 Men’s State A Trophy 2025-26, a one-day tournament set to begin this month. Manish Sharma will lead the side, with Josiah Momin appointed as vice-captain. Most of the players selected are currently part of Meghalaya’s Col CK Nayudu Trophy team, ensuring continuity and form heading into the limited-overs competition. Meghalaya have been placed in the Plate Group alongside Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. All matches are scheduled to be played at venues across Punjab. The team will leave for Punjab on November 6. Players and staff currently attending the preparatory camp in Tura will travel directly to Guwahati airport, while those involved in the ongoing Nayudu Trophy match ...

The spirit of sustainability took center stage at Tyrsad Higher Secondary School as the Shubham Charitable Association conducted an inspiring Zero-Waste Awareness Program, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 250 students and 10 teachers. The session aimed to educate young minds about eco-friendly living through the association’s Zero Waste Mission—a movement that encourages the use of reusable sanitary pads (“Fresh Pad”) and reusable diapers to reduce environmental pollution and promote health-conscious practices across the state. One of the most exciting highlights of the event was the launch of the “Zero Waste Ambassador” initiative, under which 1,000 teachers across Meghalaya will be trained and empowered to champion the cause in their schools and communities. These ambassadors wi...

The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has said that the efforts of Tripura royal scion and TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Debbarma to create a forum of regional parties of Northeast India to collectively bargain with the Government of India may be a genuine intention but has no political sense for the indigenous tribals of Meghalaya. VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh stated that some of the political parties expected to be major partners in the proposed forum pose more threat to the people of Meghalaya than even the national parties."Each state has its own specific politics. The presence of such a forum will eventually lead to legitimisation of the highly corrupt and anti-people party," Myrboh said. He added that the people of Meghalaya need a genuine regional party that has the courage to ...

The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has taken strong action against a road construction agency working on the Japan-funded Shillong–Dawki highway for allegedly dumping construction waste into the Umngot River — a water body famous for its crystal-clear waters and global tourism appeal. The action comes after videos and complaints from locals showed the river turning muddy due to soil and debris being pushed down from excavation sites. The Umngot River, located in Dawki on the India–Bangladesh border, is known for its transparent water where boats appear to float on air. Residents fear the pollution will damage its fragile ecosystem and hurt tourism, the main source of livelihood for many families in the area. Local MLA Ricky Syngkon has raised the issue with the Union Mini...