Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma broke ground on the Malki Market redevelopment project on Wednesday. The plan costs Rs 24.27 crore. He attended the ceremony at Malki Ground alongside MLA Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh. The state government intends to modernize market infrastructure to boost trade and create new jobs.
This project stands as one of the state's largest individual market investments. Officials hope it transforms the site into a major commercial hub. It remains part of a wider state-funded urban infrastructure package. The government has earmarked Rs 130 crore for similar projects throughout Shillong. Another Rs 100 crore is currently flowing into the city via the Smart City initiative.
Multiple markets are getting a facelift. The Laitumkhrah Shopping Complex will cost Rs 38 crore, while the Polo Development project hits Rs 30 crore. The government is also spending Rs 14 crore on Laban Market and another Rs 14 crore on Iewduh. Smaller upgrades include Lumshyiap at Rs 2 crore and street vendor markets at Dhankheti, Barik, Brightwell Road, Motphran, and Polo for a total of Rs 6 crore.
Sangma outlined broader plans for the city. Workers are already developing Barik Point as an urban hub. A new four-lane road will eventually link Yojana Bhawan with Anjalee Point, Rhino Point, and Civil Hospital. Construction of the New Secretariat at Umsawli is 75 percent complete. The government expects to move there next year, opening up the old site for new pedestrian spaces and wider roads. "These projects can lead to a major transformation of Malki and adjoining areas over the next two to three years," Sangma said.
The Chief Minister urged contractors to meet quality standards and deadlines. He told local leaders, known as Rangbah Shnongs, to monitor the work closely. Future vending zones will prioritize cleanliness and basic facilities. Some spots may even host music under the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project.
Separately, Sangma noted that the state’s Rajya Sabha MP will join the Joint Parliamentary Committee reviewing FCRA regulations. The committee meets on September 18. The state intends to voice concerns regarding how proposed amendments might impact Northeast communities.
Updated at 17th September 2026 at 1:48am
Sangma stressed that the push for economic growth must respect environmental limits, stating, "Ecology and economy must move together." He noted that the government's development strategy over the past eight years aimed to turn fiscal investment into direct benefits for local families and communities.
The Chief Minister thanked hawkers for their cooperation during the relocation process. He envisions these future vending zones as managed spaces equipped with toilets and basic utilities. The state also intends to utilize these sites for cultural programming under the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project.
Regarding the upcoming September 18 committee meeting, the state’s Rajya Sabha MP will attend as a Special Invitee to address the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The government hopes to block or alter proposed FCRA amendments that officials fear could stifle the operations and contributions of community groups across the Northeast.
Updated at 17th September 2026 at 10:18pm
Despite the fresh push for new builds, several previous market projects remain stuck in limbo. The Polo shopping complex and the Laitumkhrah Market are sitting idle months after finishing, and the old MTC premises in Police Bazar remain locked despite the construction being mostly done. Officials also confirmed an additional Khasi Market project with a budget of one crore.
Beyond the market beat, other local developments moved forward. BBS College recently held a blood drive, netting 29 units of blood for the Pasteur Institute. Meanwhile, the Unitarian Church in Madan Laban is set to host its 139th anniversary celebration this Friday. In the health sector, officials admitted that the early-stage Mission 1000 Days initiative, aimed at stopping child stunting, needs more time to produce hard data. Separately, Sohra residents met with their local MLA to air long-standing civic complaints during a newly launched outreach program.
Updated at 18th September 2026 at 5:47am
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui warned teachers and parents this week to stay vigilant against online misinformation. He urged adults to mentor the youth on responsible digital habits to keep society on track. Meanwhile, Governor CH Vijayashankar met with a media team from Uttar Pradesh to discuss the state's matrilineal roots and community-led governance. He stressed that development must honor local tradition while building ties between distant regions.
Tragedy struck in Ri-Bhoi on Wednesday evening. Ratul Deka, a 40-year-old worker from Assam, died after falling 20 feet during a roof demolition at the Yummy factory in 10th Mile. Police have shifted the body for a post-mortem. A separate fire in Byrnihat on Thursday morning gutted a factory, an auto-parts shop, and a home. Firefighters stopped the blaze from reaching a nearby petrol pump, and officials suspect an electrical short-circuit caused the damage.
In other official business, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met with High Court Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere to hash out details for new judicial infrastructure and the National Law University project in New Shillong. Finally, the Assamese community in Shillong is prepping for the first Zubeen Divas on September 19 at Lumshatsngi to celebrate the singer's musical legacy.
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