Meghalaya

24 May

RTI activist demands transparency in Meghalaya’s Lakadong Turmeric Project

Sonakshi SarkarMeghalaya

Prominent RTI activist and lawyer Napoleon Mawphniang has raised serious concerns over the lack of transparency in Meghalaya's flagship Lakadong Turmeric Project. In a formal complaint to top authorities, Mawphniang accused the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) of obstructing access to crucial documents under the RTI Act. “The responses I received were either non-existent or evasive. There were excessive delays and vague denials citing ‘administrative burden,’” Mawphniang said, calling the situation a “systematic pattern of opacity.” The Lakadong Turmeric Project, aimed at promoting high-curcumin turmeric cultivation, has received significant attention for its potential to boost farmers’ income. However, Mawphniang alleges…

21 May

NEHU VC declares May 21 Academic Council Meeting invalid

Sonakshi SarkarMeghalaya

A fresh controversy has erupted at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) as Vice Chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla declared an Academic Council meeting called by Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Sherwin Sungoh for May 21 as invalid. Prof Shukla stated that Prof Sungoh has no legal authority under the NEHU Act and Statutes to convene such meetings and warned that appropriate action would be taken if the meeting proceeds. “Unauthorized meetings and any decisions taken therein could seriously jeopardise academic operations and the conferment of degrees,” the VC cautioned. The row began when the Joint Registrar failed to issue a notice…

05 May

Meghalaya CM inaugurated solar-powered classrooms at Tura girls’ school

Banasree SarkarMeghalayaMeghalaya CM

At the Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Tura, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma officially opened solar-powered classrooms. By giving students access to a digitally enabled learning environment, particularly in places with limited electricity, the program seeks to close the accessibility gap. These classrooms, which are outfitted with solar energy systems, provide a constant power source, enabling students to participate in interactive, tech-driven learning. It is anticipated that the action will improve education more broadly and more effectively by encouraging educators to include digital technologies into their lesson plans. This project was carried out in partnership with Shree Cement,…

03 May

Action on weak trees before the monsoon is needed, DC Kurbah, Forest Department

Banasree SarkarMeghalaya

In order to detect and remove structurally unsound trees that endanger life and property, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner R.M. Kurbah has instructed the Divisional Forest Officer (Territorial) to hasten a citywide rekie as the monsoon approaches. In reference to the frequent risk of trees collapsing during periods of intense rain, Kurbah stated, "We wrote to the DFO (Territorial) in February to do a rekie of the entire city and identify weak trees." "We have requested that the required action be taken and that a report be submitted as soon as possible." She explained that "rampant cutting of trees is…

26 Apr

This May, Meghalaya’s Strawberry Festival will return

Banasree SarkarMeghalayaStrawberry Festival

The Department of Tourism started Meghalaya's Strawberry Festival, which has developed into a significant yearly celebration of rural development, agrotourism, and cultural heritage. The festival showcases the state's accomplishments in rural entrepreneurship and is organized by Meghalayan Age Limited (MAL) with assistance from the Departments of Tourism and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare. Another year of exciting celebrations is in store as the event is set to take place on May 2 and 3 at three different locations: Sohliya in the Ri Bhoi District, Syntung in the East Khasi District, and Darechikgre in the West Garo Hills District. Strawberry picking, cooking…

11 Apr

MCA shortlists 21 for North East Little Master’s Trophy 2025

Sonakshi SarkarMeghalaya

The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has shortlisted 21 players for the final selection-cum-preparatory camp for the upcoming 1st North East Little Master’s Trophy 2025, to be held in Guwahati from April 19. The shortlisted players will participate in a preparatory camp at Nongkhrah, Ri-Bhoi, from April 12 to 18. Selection was based on performance during trials held in Shillong and Tura from April 8 to 10. All selected players and support staff from Khasi-Jaintia Hills will report at Polo Ground, Shillong, on April 11 at 1:30 PM, while those from Garo Hills will directly report at Nongkhrah. MCA has instructed…

05 Apr

Meghalaya Govt starts the process of returning railway land acquisition funds to the centre

Banasree SarkarMeghalayaMeghalaya Govt

The state government has started the process of returning monies to the Center that were initially allotted for land acquisition connected to the proposed railway project in Khasi Hills, including the Byrnihat-Shillong route, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced on Friday. The action was taken in response to a recent correspondence from the center asking for the reimbursement of funds that were originally approved for the purchase of land in the area for the construction of a railway. The Chief Minister confirmed the development and reaffirmed the state's intention to initiate talks over Meghalaya's future rail connectivity. To look…

24 Mar

Power outages in states, heavy rainfall, and a hailstorm in Meghalaya

Banasree SarkarMeghalayaMeghalaya

Severe rain, hail, and strong winds battered Meghalaya and its surrounding regions, causing widespread disruptions. Electric wires and tree branches were toppled by the storm, leaving many places without power and creating issues for both the public and the authorities. With roads and rooftops blanketed in hail, the hailstorm transformed parts of Shillong, Mawiong, and Umiam into a winter wonderland. Residents were taken aback by the weather shift because the area's typically verdant scenery was momentarily white. Mawlai was particularly affected by the storm, as trees and high-tension cables were brought down along the main FCI Road. This led to…

20 Mar

India wins a FIFA friendly against the Maldives 3-0 at Shillong

Banasree SarkarMeghalayaFifa

In a FIFA international friendly held at the JN Stadium in Shillong, the Indian men's national team demonstrated their dominance by defeating the Maldives 3-0. This was Shillong's first time hosting international men's football, demonstrating the state's advancements in infrastructure and fervent support from supporters. On his comeback from international retirement, Sunil Chhetri scored, and the Indian men's national football team won for the first time in 489 days under coach Manolo Marquez. India defeated Maldives in a friendly match, with Rahul Bheke and Liston Colaco scoring goals. The match was a preparation for India's 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier…

17 Mar

Lungchun Khur is confirmed to be the tenth longest cave in India by Meghalaya

Banasree SarkarMeghalayaLungchun Khur

At an astounding 13,618 meters, Lungchun Khur has been confirmed by a big caving expedition in Meghalaya as the ninth longest limestone cave and the tenth longest cave in India. During the "Caving in the Abode of the Clouds Expedition" that took place from February 2–28, international teams documented 22,663 meters of cave passages that had never been explored before. With intricate networks of relic passageways, inlet formations, and boulder chokes, the recently ranked Lungchun Khur has enormous underground river passages that are up to 30 meters wide and high. The discovery, which was located beneath the Muallian Spur, was…