Shillong, June 6: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma has outlined the state’s ambitious roadmap of adding 40,000 hectares of additional green cover in the next five years.
Addressing a tree plantation on the premises of the new state assembly building at Mawdiangdiang, New Shillong on Friday, the chief minister reflected on the state’s sustained efforts to preserve its natural resources.
Nearly 22,000 hectares of forest cover have been added and close to two crore saplings planted across the state in the past five years, he said.
The chief minister, who planted a Conocarpus erectus (Buttonwood) sapling, said the act of planting a tree carries deep symbolic meaning — not only as a contribution to the environment but also as a powerful commitment to future generations.
Addressing officials from the Assembly, Forest department, and various other government departments, Sangma expressed gratitude to Speaker Thomas A Sangma for thoughtfully inviting them to take part in the initiative. “It’s not just about planting a tree. It is also about the moment, the timing, and the location. This makes it even more special,” he said.
Emphasising the state’s flagship Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programme, which compensates communities ₹15,000 per hectare annually to protect and preserve forested lands, he said, “Through PES, ₹42 crore has been distributed so far, safeguarding 52,000 hectares of forests.”
Sangma further announced the launch of the Green Meghalaya Plus programme, which will offer up to ₹20,000 per hectare and aims to preserve 1 lakh hectares of forest land in partnership with local communities.
Underlining the significance of civic cleanliness, he highlighted the state’s mission-mode preparations for the National Games 2027 to be hosted by Meghalaya.
Under the Clean Shillong Mission, he revealed, the government has already enhanced manpower in the municipal board for more frequent garbage collection and begun pipelining efforts in Marten to tackle legacy waste. “Almost 50% of Marten’s legacy waste has already been cleared. Our goal is to transform it into a beautiful garden park,” he added.
The Chief Minister called for collective participation in the clean-up efforts, stating, “This is not just a government initiative. We need everyone—leaders, officials, and citizens—to be part of this movement.” He also highlighted the government’s multi-pronged plan that includes purification systems, community engagement, and regulatory measures as part of the broader urban sanitation strategy.
Describing the plantation drive as a lasting legacy, he urged all ministers and officials to continue nurturing the trees they plant. “Let’s not just plant and forget. Let us take time to care for and watch them grow. This is our shared commitment,” he appealed.
The chief minister also shared the government’s latest beautification initiative. Along a newly constructed 10-kilometre stretch in the Mawdiangdiang township area, 1,000 cherry blossom trees are being planted over a 2-kilometre stretch.
“Inspired by Japan’s scenic avenues, this vision will soon become a reality right here in Meghalaya,” he said, inviting those who couldn’t attend the plantation to visit and take part in nurturing these trees.
All planted trees today find their home within the new Assembly premises, and a dedicated space has also been allotted for plantation activities by Assembly staff.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the government’s holistic approach to environmental protection, civic cleanliness, and community participation as the pillars of Meghalaya’s future development.
Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira, members of the Cabinet, Government Chief Whip Sosthenus Sohtun, Deputy Government Chief Whip Nujorki Sungoh, PCCF & HOFF RS Gill, and Assembly Secretary Malthus Sangma were also present at the event.
