Meghalaya

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are heading to the site of a coal mine explosion in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district. Shah conveyed his sorrow over the tragic loss of life resulting from the accident, which occurred on Thursday afternoon at an illegal coal mine. He noted that one NDRF team has already arrived at the scene, and he has been in contact with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, to offer the full support of the central government. As of the latest reports, the death toll has risen to 18, with many workers still trapped inside the mine, raising concerns for their safety and prompting a swift response from federal authorities to manage the situation.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has ordered police to take strict action regarding a dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in the Mynsyngat area of East Jaintia Hills, which occurred on Thursday around 11 am. The blast has reportedly resulted in 18 fatalities, with one person injured and hospitalized. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining, Sangma stated that operation under valid mining licenses is mandatory with the initiation of scientific mining in the state, and any illegal activities will be met with firm consequences. The explosion took place in a remote area, approximately 25 km from Khliehriat, making access challenging. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police are responding ...

PRIME Meghalaya hosted a program at Ward’s Lake, Shillong to celebrate the Top 75 Startups selected through the Chief Minister’s E-Championship Challenge 6.0, marking the commencement of their incubation phase and the graduation of 75 Startups from Cohort 5. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized the transformative potential of entrepreneurship for both the state and the nation, highlighting the evolution of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Meghalaya over recent years, which has gained recognition from the Government of India through various awards. Sangma shared his personal struggles as an entrepreneur before entering politics, expressing empathy for the challenges faced by new business owners. He affirmed the government's support for fostering entrepreneurial initiatives but w...

At least 16 people were killed and many injured in a suspected dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday morning, police said.Confirming the incident, Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said till evening, 16 bodies had been recovered but were yet to be identified. The injured person, who sustained burn injuries, was shifted to a hospital in Shillong for treatment.Police teams rushed to the site after receiving information about the explosion, while a unit from the Fire and Emergency Services in Shillong was also dispatched to assist in rescue and assessment operations.“We are trying to gather information about the mine owner and those operating the mine. Necessary legal action will be taken once details are verified,” the SP said,...

Several labourers are feared killed in an explosion at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills' Thangsko area, with the death toll awaiting confirmation. "Our team has confirmed that the incident took place this morning, but the numbers are not confirmed," district police chief Vikash Kumar said on Thursday. He however said that one person was injured and referred to Shillong from Sutnga PHC. The police are seeking the help of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) team to initiate rescue operations. "The SDRF team are yet to come," Kumar added. The explosion is suspected to have occurred during coal mining activities at the site, which is believed to be an illegal operation. "Yes, it seems like that," Kumar said when asked if the mine was illegal. Further details are awaited as...

A Meghalaya RTI activist has raised serious questions over the appointment of seven Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), alleging a lack of transparency and favouritism in their selection, as well as the use of public funds for their salaries and allowances. Manbhalang Phankon, an RTI activist from Madanrting, claimed that information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act shows that seven contractual OSDs were personally appointed and attached directly to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma without any open recruitment process, competitive examination or public advertisement. According to the RTI replies, each of the seven OSDs receives a monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh. The state exchequer has spent Rs 1,68,12,785 on their salaries since 2019. Th...

Residents of Lower Balian in the pollution-hit Byrnihat area of Meghalaya on Wednesday protested outside an industrial unit, and locked its premises over alleged illegal operations and adding to pollution woes. Byrnihat, located along the Assam-Meghalaya interstate border, in recent national air quality assessments, has been ranked as India's most polluted town, with PM2.5 levels far exceeding permissible limits, and industrial emissions cited as a key factor behind the deteriorating air quality. The residents targeted a ferro alloy company’s premises, alleging that the unit has been operating illegally without valid documents while exposing the locality to severe air pollution and dust emissions.

The Meghalaya government plans to install advanced vehicle scanners to prevent illegal narcotics from entering the state. Paul Lyngdoh, Adviser to the Social Welfare Department, announced that locations for these scanners have been identified and the procurement process is underway. The initiative aims to significantly decrease the demand for narcotics by enhancing security at key entry points, thereby reducing smuggling activities statewide. All vehicles will be subject to scanning, including defense and military transport, following discussions with military authorities. Currently, frequent raids are conducted, and once the scanners are operational, compliance will be mandatory for everyone. About 95% of illicit substances in Meghalaya are reported to come from the Golden Triangle regio...

All Saints’ Hall in Shillong turned into a lively hub of literature and learning as a book fair was organised, attracting book lovers, students, educators, and families from across the city. The fair offered a wide range of books, from academic texts and competitive exam guides to novels, children’s literature, and regional writings. Visitors were seen browsing through neatly arranged stalls, exploring genres that catered to every age group and interest. Special discounts and affordable pricing made the fair particularly popular among students and young readers, encouraging a renewed interest in reading amid the digital age. Organisers said the objective of the book fair was to promote a reading culture and provide easy access to quality books under one roof. “Books remain the stronges...

The Justice BP Katakey committee has ordered the immediate release of funds for the demolition of 33 Coke Oven Plants in East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills districts.The committee directed the District Administration of East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills to demolish the 16 Coke Oven Plants in East Jaintia Hills and 17 Coke Oven Plants in West Khasi Hills, citing the possibility of stealthy production. “The Committee recommends immediate release of the required fund to the District Administration of East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills District for demolition of the aforementioned 16 Coke Oven Plants in East Jaintia Hills District and 17 Coke Oven Plants in West Khasi Hills District and also to demolish the said 33 Coke Oven Plants, immediately, on receiving the fund…. so a...