Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Governor Phagu Chauhan led a large-scale tree plantation drive on Monday at the upcoming Assembly complex in Mawdiangdiang. This green initiative reflects the state’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible development.
Importantly, the event brought together lawmakers, forest officials, and citizens in a joint effort to green the surroundings of the state’s future legislative building.
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Building the Assembly with nature in mind
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Sangma stressed that the new Assembly building should not just symbolize governance, but also environmental awareness. “As we build this landmark institution, we must also build harmony with nature,” he said.
Governor Phagu Chauhan agreed, adding that development and ecology should always go hand in hand. “A building that houses democracy should inspire environmental care and responsibility,” he noted while planting a sapling.
To begin the green effort, over 5,000 saplings were planted across the construction site. The Forest Department selected native tree species suitable for the local climate and soil, ensuring better survival and long-term ecological balance.
A future-ready complex with a green touch
The Assembly complex is being designed with modern and eco-friendly features. It will include solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green landscaping. According to officials, the plantation drive complements these sustainable elements and reduces the project’s overall environmental impact.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sangma highlighted the importance of creating green zones around all major government buildings. “This Assembly will be a model—not only of governance but of how we coexist with nature,” he said.
To reinforce this idea, he urged other departments to conduct similar plantation drives around their premises.
MLAs and public join hands
What made the event truly special was the participation of a wide range of people. Legislators from both ruling and opposition parties, administrative officials, and local residents planted trees side by side. This act symbolized collective responsibility for the environment.
Forest and Environment Minister A.L. Hek expressed pride in the collaborative effort. “This is not just a government program. It’s a people’s movement,” he said. He also encouraged every citizen to adopt a tree and nurture it as part of their civic duty.
Growth, accountability, and long-term vision
The Assembly building is expected to be completed by early 2026. Once finished, it will span 65,000 square feet and stand as one of the most advanced legislative buildings in Northeast India. The complex will feature smart communication systems and culturally inspired architecture.
Officials confirmed that the green belt around the premises will be continuously monitored. In fact, a team from the Forest Department will conduct monthly inspections to track the saplings’ health and growth. Anyone can volunteer under the “Adopt-a-Tree” program, further ensuring personal engagement in the project’s success.
Meghalaya’s green drive gathers momentum
The plantation drive is just one part of a larger environmental strategy. Meghalaya already enjoys nearly 76% forest cover, but rising urbanization has created new challenges. The state government has launched several initiatives to strengthen afforestation, soil conservation, and climate resilience.
CM Sangma emphasized that each tree planted today is an investment in the future. “These trees will fight heat, clean the air, and hold the soil. They are our silent guardians,” he said.
Additionally, plantation campaigns are being organized in schools, villages, and public spaces across all districts. These programs aim to educate young people and inspire community ownership of the environment.
Setting an example for the region
This green initiative is likely to influence other states in the Northeast as they plan infrastructure growth. By combining development with environmental stewardship, Meghalaya is showing that economic progress need not come at nature’s cost.
In the coming months, the government plans to release a green building policy to guide all future public projects. The policy will include benchmarks for energy efficiency, biodiversity preservation, and carbon footprint reduction.
With over 5,000 trees planted at the new Assembly complex site, Meghalaya has taken a meaningful step towards sustainable governance. The presence of top leaders like CM Conrad Sangma and Governor Phagu Chauhan underscored the seriousness of this mission. More importantly, their hands-on involvement inspired citizens and lawmakers alike to commit to a greener future.
As construction progresses, these trees will grow alongside the institution they surround. They will remind future generations that true development nurtures—not replaces—nature.
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