By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 23: Mawsynram MLA Ollan Singh Suin on Thursday said that the government is positive about the creation of a Civil Sub-Division in Mawsynram, and the proposal is likely to be approved by next year.
Speaking to reporters, the local MLA admitted that the road condition in Mawsynram is “very bad.”
He, however, said the government has assured that new road projects will soon be sanctioned. The Mawsynram–Welloi and Mawsynram–Ranikor roads will be taken up under different projects and state plans, and tenders will be floated soon, the MLA said.
Suin added that improved road connectivity would attract more tourists to the area, giving a major boost to the local tourism sector. He also said that the upcoming Rain Museum—currently under construction at a cost of over ₹25 crore—will further enhance Mawsynram’s appeal once completed in two years.
It may be mentioned that Mawsynram, known as the wettest place on earth, holds immense potential for tourism, but the area has not received adequate attention from the government over the years—something evident in its poor and deteriorating road network.
The condition of the roads in the constituency remains far from satisfactory despite the region’s tourism significance and vast untapped potential. Earlier, the Synjuk ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Shnong called upon the state government to upgrade the Mawsynram C&RD Block into a Civil Sub-Division. The appeal was made through a memorandum submitted to Deputy Chief Minister and Home (Police) in-charge, Prestone Tynsong.
Chairman of the Synjuk, Hiamdor Rapsang, said the people of Mawsynram have waited too long for the government to act on this long-pending issue. He reminded that despite several representations over the years, the demand has remained unaddressed, compelling the organisation to continue pursuing it until it is achieved.
Rapsang argued that creating a Civil Sub-Division is the only practical step to bring administration closer to the people. He expressed confidence that the present MDA government, which has described itself as a people’s government, would recognise the genuine need of the residents and act without imposing further conditions. He maintained that Mawsynram already meets the administrative and infrastructural requirements for such an upgrade, with several government offices functioning in the area.
The Mawsynram C&RD Block, one of the oldest in Meghalaya, was established in 1962. Spanning roughly 510 square kilometres, it covers 144 villages with a population of about 65,000. Many of these villages are located over 112 km from Shillong, the district headquarters, making official access and development activities difficult.
The Synjuk observed that the region’s poor connectivity has hindered effective delivery of public services. Upgrading Mawsynram to a Civil Sub-Division, it said, would ensure that governance and development reach the people more efficiently.
Despite its global recognition as one of the wettest places on earth and a destination that draws tourists and researchers alike, Rapsang said Mawsynram continues to struggle with administrative neglect. He added that the proposed upgrade is not merely a demand for status but a long-overdue step to ease the hardships faced by its residents.
