Meghalaya, Centre ink MoU to bolster rural water supply
SHILLONG, March 27: The Meghalaya government on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Jal Shakti Ministry’s National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM) to strengthen rural water supply infrastructure and ensure sustained delivery of drinking water in villages. The agreement was formalised through a video conference in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil. Under the MoU, the Centre will release funds upon signing, with an emphasis on ensuring proper service delivery and sustained functionality of water supply systems in villages, while the state will be responsible for implementation and outcomes. State Secretary and Commissioner (PHE), Pravin Bakshi, was present at the programme along with other officials. The Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable access to drinking water for every household under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). He highlighted the importance of a comprehensive water policy and ongoing efforts towards water source rejuvenation across the state, stating that challenges related to water sources are being addressed in a holistic manner with a focus on sustainability and long-term impact. “Our government is taking responsibility to resolve issues concerning water availability and management, particularly those linked to source sustainability, through coordinated planning and implementation,” he said. In his keynote address, Patil stated that unless drinking water reaches the last mile, the Viksit Bharat vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot be fully realised. He said the Centre has prioritised the effective implementation of programmes under the JJM, with an emphasis on efficiency and outcomes, and highlighted the need for convergence with other schemes such as the VB-G-RAM-G initiative and allied programmes to maximise impact on the ground. The programme began with a welcome address by representatives of the NJJM, followed by a presentation by the Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, outlining the significance of the partnership and its expected outcomes. The MoU marks a step towards improving water supply infrastructure and service delivery mechanisms in Meghalaya.
AIIMS Delhi to back NEIGRIHMS for set-up of state-of-the-art Burns Unit
SHILLONG, March 27: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has pledged long-term support to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) to establish a modern, state-of-the-art Burns Unit in Shillong. The project was the focus of a ‘Capacity Building in Burns Care’ programme held at NEIGRIHMS on Friday. During the programme, Prof. Maneesh Singhal, Head of the Department of Burns & Plastic Surgery at AIIMS New Delhi, provided expert guidance on the key requirements for the facility, including site selection, infrastructure planning, and essential medical equipment. Prof. Singhal also emphasised that a dedicated unit requires coordinated efforts across clinical, para-clinical and administrative sections to ensure effective patient management. It is pertinent to note that the establishment of a dedicated Burns Unit at NEIGRIHMS is aimed to significantly strengthen burns care services for the people of Meghalaya and the entire Northeast region. The collaboration between the two institutes will include structured training programmes, capacity building, manpower development and joint research initiatives in burn management.
M’laya reconstitutes panel to restore polluted river stretches
SHILLONG, March 27: In compliance with a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order, the state government has reconstituted the River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC) to prepare and execute an action plan for restoring identified polluted river stretches. The committee’s primary mandate is to ensure these rivers are restored to a standard fit for at least bathing purposes. The action plan will focus on identifying pollution sources, monitoring the status of treatment plants (STPs, ETPs and CETPs) and quantifying solid waste and sewage generated in catchment areas. The terms of reference also include the removal of encroachments to establish biodiversity parks on floodplains. Separately, to expedite the disposal of environmental clearance applications, the state government has requested the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) and the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to hold meetings at least twice a month.
Rilang College inauguration likely in April, says Rymbui
MAWKYRWAT, March 27: Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton L. Tongkhar has informed that Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui will likely inaugurate the newly established Rilang College in April. The Rilang Education Society, the sponsoring body of the college, met on Thursday to finalise preparations for the 2026 academic session and oversee the ongoing recruitment of teaching staff. Located in the Shiliang Um Rilang area of Mawkyrwat Block, the college will begin its first session this year, offering Class XI (Arts) and BA 1st Semester courses. Tongkhar, who chairs the society, presided over the meeting, which was attended by Rilang College principal KD Nongsiej, Society secretary Bording Lyngdoh and Sngap Syiem College principal Dr. KK Nongsiej. During the meeting, the MLA also appealed to the residents of Shiliang Um Rilang and the wider South West Khasi Hills district to support the new institute by enrolling local youths for their higher studies.
Shillong celebrates Ram Navami
of Ram Navami in the city on Thursday. (ST)
SHILLONG, March 27: Ram Navami was celebrated across the state capital on Thursday, with a large number of devotees participating in the festivities. A highlight of the celebrations was a yatra (procession) conducted through the city. The event was held smoothly with support from the state government, police and volunteers from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), who assisted in traffic management and crowd control to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, the organisers expressed their gratitude to the dignitaries and guests who attended the celebration. The organisers noted that their support contributed to the event’s success. The festivities concluded peacefully, carrying a message of unity and devotion.
