Latest news with #ConradSangma
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Narcotics worth over 1,000cr seized in past 3 years, says Meghalaya CM
Shillong: Meghalaya Police seized narcotics worth over Rs 1,000 crore and filed chargesheets against 422 in the past three years, chief minister Conrad Sangma said. Additionally, 1,031 drug-related cases were filed during this period, he added. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The CM was addressing an event to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the State Convention Centre here on Thursday. Specialised units like the anti-narcotics task force are being further strengthened, and new tools such as drug scanners and trained canine squads are being introduced, he said, urging all citizens to come together in this fight. The event brought together leaders, frontline workers and communities under the theme 'Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All'. The CM emphasised that the govt is committed not only to law enforcement but also to holistic recovery, involving health systems, education, youth engagement and strong community partnerships. "We cannot look at this as just a law enforcement issue. It is a public health, social and developmental issue. DREAM is our mission to fight this together — as a state, as a people," he said and also led the gathering in a solemn pledge as part of the National Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The flagship programme — Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) — is a comprehensive, multi-sectoral initiative that addresses both the supply and demand side of substance abuse. Under the initiative, the govt has committed Rs 50 crore over five years to support rehabilitation centres, especially those run by faith-based and community-led organisations. As part of DREAM's community-based strategy, the govt also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses, a national organisation. The partnership aims to create customised toolkits and training modules for schools, teachers, local communities and NGOs to build an informed, drug-resilient society.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Assam & Meghalaya villagers protest proposed dam on Kulsi
Guwahati: Hundreds of people from Assam, joined by residents from adjoining Meghalaya, organised a protest march at Chaygaon in Kamrup district on Wednesday, opposing a proposed 55 MW hydel power project along the interstate border near Ukiam. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The demonstration comes in response to the joint Assam-Meghalaya move to build the dam by evicting villages located near the Kulsi river. More than a dozen organisations participated in the rally, including units of the All Assam Students' Union, All Rabha Students' Union, Assam-Meghalaya Joint Protection Committee, Ukiam-Kyrsai group, Garo National Council (Assam Zone), and Bongaon Anchalik Committee of the All Assam Tribal Sangha. These groups represent a cross-section of tribal and non-tribal communities — Khasi, Gorkha, Bengali, Koch-Rajbongshi, Garo, Rabha, Bodo, and others. Memorandums were submitted to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma, demanding that the project be scrapped. Protesters said the proposed dam, located upstream on the Kulsi river — a major tributary of the Brahmaputra — would devastate agricultural livelihoods in Kamrup, affect wetlands such as Chandubi Lake, and destroy habitats of endangered Gangetic river dolphin. The fishing community downstream has also voiced opposition, raising concerns after CM Sarma announced the proposed project following a meeting with his Meghalaya counterpart. Kulsi is considered the agricultural lifeline of south Kamrup district. The river originates from the confluence of the Khri (Sri), Dilma (Ghoga), and Dron rivers at the "Tribeni Sangam" in Ukiam, flowing onward as a vital Brahmaputra tributary. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The crops and natural vegetation of south Kamrup depend on the Kulsi's flow. Installing a 62-metre-high dam at Ukiam would severely disrupt this ecosystem," read the memorandum sent to the CMs via the Chaygaon circle officer. Protesters also warned of the risks during monsoon, citing past cloudburst incidents. They fear that in the event of excess rainfall, a sudden release from the dam's reservoir could cause large-scale devastation downstream. According to the memorandum, the proposed project is expected to affect several villages in Assam's Kamrup district and Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills. These include Ukiam, Barjhar, Dighalbil, Warygrow, Krishnapur, Umthali, Mekhamdal, Darifang, and others. Kulsi is home to the endangered Gangetic river dolphin, or Sihu, Assam's state aquatic animal, listed on the IUCN Red List, the memorandum stated.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cherry Blossom Fest '25 to return to Shillong in Nov: CM Conrad
Shillong: The Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is set to return in full bloom to Shillong on Nov 14-15, promising an electrifying mix of international music, citywide cultural events and immersive crowd experiences, CM Conrad Sangma has said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "This year's edition brings the festival back to the heart of Shillong, with pop-up experiences and cultural installations planned across the city — highlighting Ward's Lake and other heritage venues," a statement issued by the organisers said. The main concerts will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with MFA Ground and SRGT Ground extending the experience into a full-fledged city festival zone. Jason Derulo, global pop-R&B superstar from Miami, the US, will bring his chart-topping hits (Swalla, Talk Dirty, Savage Love) to Shillong, performing with his 15-member dance crew. The Script, one of Ireland's most acclaimed rock bands, will join Derulo as equal co-headliner. With over 20 million albums sold worldwide, the band has a global fan base because of iconic tracks like Hall of Fame, Breakeven and The Man Who Can't Be Moved. This performance will mark their long-awaited India debut. Day 2 co-headliners will be announced soon, with organisers promising an equally powerful and diverse lineup. A standout feature this year will be the inclusion of RFID LED wristbands for every ticket holder — a concept made famous by Coldplay — creating a synchronised light show and unifying the audience experience. Tickets will be limited to maintain world-class production standards and will go on sale end of June exclusively.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Meghalaya govt grants over 39cr to sports orgs ahead of Nat'l Games '27
Shillong: As preparations are in full swing for the 39th National Games to be hosted by Meghalaya in 2027, the state govt organised a special event titled 'Grants-in-Aid for Team Preparation' at the state convention centre here on Tuesday. As part of the Team Meghalaya initiative, a total grant of Rs 39,17,64,000 was sanctioned to 26 state sports associations and MSOA to support structured training and preparation. "For the first time in the country's history, a state govt is directly providing grants-in-aid funds to Shillong sports associations," CM Conrad Sangma said. The event is part of a broader effort by the department of sports and youth affairs to bolster Meghalaya's sporting ecosystem through targeted schemes and support mechanisms aimed at motivating and empowering athletes. You Can Also Check: Guwahati AQI | Weather in Guwahati | Bank Holidays in Guwahati | Public Holidays in Guwahati Reaffirming the govt's vision to transform the sports ecosystem in Meghalaya, Sangma said, "Looking back at this journey, which has been filled with a lot of excitement and challenges, we have seen incredible momentum in the sports sector.... I can clearly see a huge difference in how sports is growing in our state". He highlighted key infrastructure initiatives worth Rs 1,900 crore, including the construction of nearly 50 artificial turfs across Meghalaya — the highest number in any state — and the development of synthetic track and field facilities, the largest in the Eastern region. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Speaking about Meghalaya's role as host of the 39th National Games, he described it as a historic moment — the largest event ever to be held in the state and emphasised the need to put in all efforts to make the Games a national benchmark in excellence. The CM also shared plans to work closely with the tourism department to promote home-stays and boutique hotels for hosting athletes, thereby fostering local entrepreneurship and boosting tourism infrastructure. He also pushed for the athletes to target winning at least 50 medals in the 39th National Games.
United News of India
24-06-2025
- United News of India
India's longest cantilever skywalk coming up in Meghalaya
Shillong, June 24 (UNI) India's longest cantilever skywalk will be built at the scenic Mawkdok Dympep valley in Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said. Mawkdok Dympep Valley is in between Meghalaya's state capital Shillong and Sohra (Cherrapunjee), the wettest place on earth, in East Khasi Hills district. 'This skywalk would be one of the longest cantilever bridges in India and the first of its kind in the northeastern states. It will stretch 40-metre in length, featuring a 7-meter wide cantilever section,' Sangma said while unveiling the design of a Rs 51.7 crore skywalk project on Monday during the CM Connect programme at Laitkroh village. Sangma said the skywalk will offer visitors a unique opportunity to walk above the lush green cliffs and experience the entire area from a stunning height. Currently there is a zip line that takes adventure-seekers zipping across the gorge, and there are some public amenities like restaurants and toilets in the area. Sangma said that the Rs 51.7 crore skywalk project would include cafeterias, shops, a parking area and other tourist-friendly amenities. 'Many activities will take place here. This isn't just a project for one village but will be a major game changer in terms of rural economy in the entire area,' the Chief Minister said. Sangma said the government has successfully completed its tendering process, with physical construction slated to begin immediately after the monsoon season. UNI RRK ARN
