Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on May 2 announced a series of development measures for Madanriting in Shillong, focusing on infrastructure, safety and community facilities, following demands raised by local residents. Addressing a community programme organised by the Dorbar Shnong, the Chief Minister said he was “happy to spend time with the residents… and listen to the aspirations of the community”, outlining projects aimed at improving everyday amenities. Key announcements included the renovation of the Madanriting playground with upgraded infrastructure for youth, alongside the installation of CCTV cameras and street lighting under the My City, Clean City campaign. Sangma said these steps were intended to improve safety and urban upkeep in the locality. R...

Around 600 liters of illegal liquor was seized during a vice raid conducted by police and excise officials at multiple places in Shillong on Sunday night. The raid carried out at Polo, Jeep Stand, and Urkaliar was led by Additional Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, Saurav Saini and Deputy Superintendent of Police, Women & Children Cell, Joyti Wahlang. The operation targeted illicit liquor sales and distribution points in the three localities, officials said. The seized liquor has been handed over to the Excise Department for seizure and further legal action as per provisions of law.

The 37th Interim Report of the Justice (retired) B.P Katakey committee has noted that illegal mining and transportation of coal has continued in parts of Meghalaya in disregard of court directions, with enforcement agencies seizing 18,479.826 metric tonnes of coal and 47 vehicles. Despite directions issued by the Supreme Court, the High Court of Meghalaya and the National Green Tribunal, the committee noted the presence of large quantities of freshly mined coal, active coal mines, tools and machinery, including use of explosives, indicating continuation of illegal coal mining activities. The panel report recorded that enforcement actions have been undertaken, including issuance of 33 notices and arrest of 29 persons in connection with cases related to illegal mining and transportat...

In a significant step towards promoting cleanliness and environmental sustainability in Patharkhmah, the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Patharkhmah Civil Sub-Division on Friday launched the Green Force Patharkhmah initiatives at Patharkhmah Community Hall. The initiative is being taken in collaboration with the Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner’s office and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA). The programme was officially launched by the cabinet minister and Jirang Constituency MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, in presence of the Patharkhmah SDO Chaitanya Awasthi IAS, the Patharkhmah village Headman Petelman Thangkhiew among others. As mentioned, the initiative aims to enhance inter-village cooperation through an Inter Village Development Championship, focusing on maintaining c...

Conrad K. Sangma on Friday described the Meghalaya government’s decision to introduce a structured pay framework for SSA and Fourth Teachers as one of the most satisfying moments of his public life, saying the move would improve the lives of thousands of teachers and bring financial stability to their families after years of struggle and uncertainty. Speaking at a felicitation programme organised by the Meghalaya SSA Schools Association and the Meghalaya 4th Teachers Association at Students’ Field in Jaiaw, the Chief Minister said the government’s decision should not be measured only in terms of money spent by the state, but by the long-term impact it would have on teachers, students, and the future of education in Meghalaya. The event was organised to mark the state government’s recent d...

Meghalaya’s breathtaking landscapes draw thousands of visitors every year, but the beauty of the East Khasi Hills comes with natural risks that demand respect. In response to rising footfall and recent incidents, the state government has issued a comprehensive new safety mandate. Our report looks at how authorities are moving to protect travelers. The Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Shillong has officially tightened the reins on tourist safety across the East Khasi Hills district. This fresh advisory is a direct response to the increasing number of visitors and the inherent risks of the region’s rugged terrain. The directive moves beyond simple suggestions, outlining a series of mandatory precautions designed to fortify on-ground safety infrastructure. Central to the new guidel...

Meghalaya authorities have issued a fresh safety advisory for visitors to popular tourist locations in East Khasi Hills district, placing strong emphasis on preventive measures amid rising footfall and seasonal risks. The directive, released by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Shillong, outlines a series of mandatory precautions aimed at improving on-ground safety infrastructure and reducing avoidable accidents at tourist sites. Officials have stressed that basic safety arrangements must be visible and functional at all locations. These include clearly marked entry and exit routes, prominently displayed maps, and the availability of trained personnel. Tourist guides and staff “should be trained in basic life-saving skills”, the advisory states. Structural safety has...

East Khasi Hills district administration has cautioned NEET (UG) aspirants of facing a heavy traffic congestion while going to appear in the examination at Meghalaya Police Public School Examination Centre on Sunday. A large Presbyterian congregation is scheduled at JLN Stadium the same day, prompting the administration to issue the advisory. “In view of the conduct of NEET (UG) 2026 Examination scheduled on 03.05.2026, all candidates appearing for the examination at Meghalaya Police Public School Examination Centre are hereby informed that a large Presbyterian congregation is also scheduled to be held at JLN Stadium on the same day, which may lead to heavy traffic congestion in the surrounding areas,” it stated. Anticipating traffic disruptions, the district administrati...

Mawlynnong, dubbed as Asia's cleanest village, has added another distinction to its name with the discovery of a new species of firefly, as researchers documented Meghalaya's first-ever scientifically recorded luminous insects in the area, officials said on Friday. The study, led by Emma Magdalene Nonglang of Assam Don Bosco University, identified two previously unknown species, Diaphanes meghalayanus and Diaphanes mawlynnong, the latter named after the village where it was first recorded, they said. While D. meghalayanus was found across multiple habitats in the state, D. mawlynnong was observed in the dense forested surroundings of Mawlynnong village close to the India-Bangladesh border. Researchers said the fireflies were located in relatively undisturbed habitats, inc...

Sonam Raghuvanshi, the main accused in the widely reported Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, has been abandoned by her family, according to her elder brother. His statement came shortly after a court in the northeastern state granted her bail. Raja Raghuvanshi, a transport businessman, went missing on May 23 last year during his honeymoon with Sonam. His mutilated body was later discovered on June 2 in a deep gorge near a waterfall in Sohra, located in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district. Following the investigation, Sonam, along with several others—including her alleged boyfriend—was arrested. Speaking to PTI, Sonam’s elder brother, Govind Raghuvanshi, said the family has not appointed any lawyer to support her case. He claimed he learned about her bail through media reports. Alth...