Mumbai, August 8: Meghalaya and Maharashtra on Saturday marked a significant milestone in their interstate collaboration with the laying of the foundation stone for a new Meghalaya House at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.
The foundation stone was jointly laid by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following the formal handing over of land by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Government of Maharashtra.
The new Meghalaya House is aimed at strengthening Meghalaya’s institutional presence in Mumbai and providing improved accommodation and support services to citizens from the State visiting the city for medical treatment, higher education, official assignments, business, tourism and other purposes.
The new facility is being developed in response to the growing demand for accommodation. The existing Meghalaya House at Vashi, established in 2008, has only 12 rooms and has been operating under increasing pressure, particularly due to the growing number of patients and attendants from Meghalaya travelling to Tata Memorial Hospital. It also caters to students, government officials, entrepreneurs, sportspersons and tourists from the State.
The new Meghalaya House at Kharghar, spread across a total land area of 2,071.67 square metres, is expected to substantially increase accommodation capacity and public facilities, providing citizens with safer, more comfortable and affordable lodging while in Mumbai.
Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma thanked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Maharashtra Cabinet, government officials, CIDCO and the local MLA for their support in making the project possible.
Sangma described the establishment of Meghalaya House at such a prime location as a significant moment for the State, particularly in view of the scarcity of land and space in Mumbai. He said the project was ultimately intended to serve the people of Meghalaya.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister also highlighted the strong presence of people from Meghalaya in Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, in sectors including healthcare, education, business, music, sports and entrepreneurship. He expressed confidence that the new facility would further strengthen the relationship between Meghalaya and Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the Meghalaya delegation and highlighted the deep cultural and people-to-people ties between Maharashtra and Meghalaya. He noted that Mumbai and Pune have long been important destinations for people from the Northeast, especially students, artists and professionals.
Fadnavis also described Meghalaya as one of the most beautiful States in the Northeast and spoke about its strong association with music, particularly rock music. He acknowledged the contribution of people from Meghalaya in Maharashtra’s education, healthcare, music and other sectors, saying these connections had helped create a deep and enduring relationship between the two States.
He also acknowledged Meghalaya’s growing economy under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and expressed his interest in developing stronger cultural and economic ties between Maharashtra and Meghalaya.
Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, described the project as the outcome of sustained cooperation between the Governments of Meghalaya and Maharashtra. He acknowledged the support extended by the Maharashtra Government and its various departments, including CIDCO, in taking the project forward.
Cyril V. D. Diengdoh, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, General Administration Department, Government of Meghalaya, highlighted the strategic importance of Kharghar, which is emerging as a major hub for innovation, new technology and data centres. He said the new Meghalaya House would complement the emerging ecosystem while providing a dedicated space for hospitality and support to people from Meghalaya visiting Mumbai.
The ceremony also showcased Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage through a special performance by the Khmih Creative Society under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme (CM MGMP).
The establishment of the new Meghalaya House is being viewed as another step towards the State Government’s vision of developing modern, accessible and citizen-centric public infrastructure while strengthening cooperation with other States.
The facility is expected to serve as a welcoming gateway for people from Meghalaya visiting Mumbai and as a symbol of the growing friendship and cooperation between Meghalaya and Maharashtra.
