Shillong: The Meghalaya government just tightened construction rules near all state waterbodies. Officials notified the Meghalaya Waterbodies (Conservation and Protection) Amendment Guidelines, 2026, to fix earlier oversights. New setbacks now apply based on plot size and water width. Large plots exceeding 2,000 square metres must maintain a 30-metre buffer. Smaller sites between 501 and 2,000 square metres require a 20-metre gap. Any plot under 500 square metres near water wider than four metres needs a 10-metre setback. All new structures in these zones face a two-floor height cap, maxing out at 7.6 metres.
These rules follow high court directives regarding Umiam Lake cleanliness. Buildings on larger lots face a 40 percent coverage limit and an FAR of 0.8. Smaller developments get 50 percent coverage and an FAR of 1.00. The Forest and Environment Department pushed these mandates to protect local water health.
Elsewhere in Shillong, community and academic life continued in full swing. Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed spoke at the Shillong Onam 2026 celebrations at Soso Tham Auditorium. He challenged the youth to stay ambitious. "Believe in themselves, embrace challenges and never give up on their dreams," the Chief Secretary urged the crowd. The All India Malayali Association and Kalakairali Shillong hosted the event. C. O. Koshy received the Kalakairali Kesari Award 2026 for his long tenure at Patkai College and Army Public School. Biana Momin also earned special honors for her role in the film Eko.
Students took center stage at other city venues. Dainty Buds School in Lumshatsngi hosted a science and math exhibition Friday. Pupils showed off real-world projects themed around building a brighter tomorrow. Meanwhile, Laban Bengalee Boys’ Higher Secondary School marked its 103rd year Saturday. The school honored five HSSLC 2026 toppers at the Kailash Mancha auditorium to celebrate the institution's long-standing legacy.
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