Mendipathar, May 26 — Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today launched a series of significant initiatives aimed at advancing climate action, environmental conservation, and educational infrastructure in the state. The event was held in Mendipathar, North Garo Hills, in the presence of PHE Minister Marcuise Marak, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, and MLAs Marthon Sangma and Rupert Momin.
One of the key highlights was the unveiling of the Climate Adaptive Community-Based Water Harvesting Project, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). With an estimated outlay of over ₹500 crore, the initiative will be implemented across all districts of Meghalaya. The project aims to enhance water resilience, sustainability, and climate adaptation through community participation.
The Chief Minister also launched the ₹47.19 crore ‘Megh Adapt Pay’ project under the same water harvesting initiative. Implemented by the Soil and Water Conservation Department, the project focuses on afforestation, forest conservation, and agricultural land development. Sangma highlighted that this would foster strong community-government partnerships to protect forests, rehabilitate degraded catchment areas, and expand green cover.
In a move to bolster educational access, CM Sangma inaugurated two newly constructed hostels:
- Girls’ Hostel at Mendipathar College, built at a cost of ₹3 crore, will be operated by the Awe Self-Help Group on a not-for-profit model.
- Tribal Girls’ Hostel at Resubelpara, constructed for ₹2.5 crore, will be managed by Ramke Memorial School.
“These hostels will provide a safe, secure, and supportive living environment for girls, especially those from remote areas, and help them pursue their education without barriers,” said the Chief Minister.
Sangma expressed pride in the state’s educational performance, noting that Meghalaya’s SSLC pass rate has risen to 96%, the highest in the Northeast and possibly the country. He credited the ‘CM Impact’ guidebook as a helpful academic tool for students lacking access to educational resources.
“Many may criticize the guidebook, but students and parents know its value. It’s our way of supporting underprivileged learners,” Sangma said, congratulating all students who passed.
