Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The Meghalaya Cabinet approved the formal closure of Meghalaya Cherra Cement Limited (MCCL). Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma confirmed the decision includes writing off Rs 24.43 crore in liabilities. This total consists of Rs 8.9 crore in sales tax dues and Rs 15.53 crore in royalty fees. The government previously settled all outstanding employee wages to clear the way for the shutdown.
In other state developments, Speaker Thomas Sangma stated the new Meghalaya Legislative Assembly building will finish construction this year. The project remains on schedule despite minor delays, and an IIT Guwahati safety audit is now in progress. Elsewhere, the High Court of Meghalaya granted authorities more time to settle a land dispute near the court. Judges are waiting for the Union Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to make a final decision on the plot.
Environmental concerns remain at the forefront for local activists. The Green-Tech Foundation warned that Umiam Lake is struggling with heavy siltation and waste accumulation. Chairman H. Bansiewdor Nonglang noted that the lake supports a 172-megawatt hydroelectric project. "Preventing it from entering the lake in the first place must become our priority," Nonglang said. The foundation urged the government to install waste traps on the Wah Umkhrah and Wah Umshyrpi rivers.
In East Jaintia Hills, the Jaintia National Council shuttered illegal shops in Khliehriat for failing to produce trading licences. Meanwhile, the Jaintia Students’ Union requested that Jowai serve as an exam centre for the November 7, 2026, Meghalaya Medical Services Recruitment Board tests for nurses. Additionally, the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front demanded the government appoint a Chief Information Commissioner to handle a mounting backlog of RTI appeals. Finally, the All India Lawyers Union backed calls for the Chief Election Commissioner to resign following allegations of improper voter list deletions.
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