Meghalaya: The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a series of significant amendments aimed at regulating building construction in industrial zones statewide, including areas within the New Shillong Township. The move is intended to streamline development within these zones and facilitate planned, orderly expansion in line with the state’s growing urbanization.
On November 5, Cabinet minister and MDA spokesperson, Paul Lyngdoh, addressed the approval, stating that the amendments were primarily aimed at categorizing industrial zones and updating building by-laws for these areas. “The expansion currently happening, especially in the new Shillong city, needs to be planned in a scientific manner,” Lyngdoh explained. “We need these new by-laws in place to ensure orderly development in industrial zones across the state.”
The revised regulations will apply to all designated industrial estates in Meghalaya, including the fast-growing New Shillong Township. Lyngdoh emphasized that urbanization is a continuous process, and as new urban centers emerge, it is crucial to regulate building construction in industrial zones to maintain planned growth. “These changes will help manage industrial estates and the expanding urban areas, ensuring that new developments align with the overall vision for Meghalaya’s growth,” he added.
In addition to the building by-law amendments, the Cabinet also approved changes to the Meghalaya Forensic Science Laboratory Rules, 2021, paving the way for the creation of new posts in mobile forensic crime scene units. The proposal includes the recruitment of scientific officers, senior scientific assistants, scientific assistants, and laboratory assistants across all districts. According to Lyngdoh, these posts are critical to fulfilling legal requirements and supporting the state’s forensic capabilities.
“The creation of these posts is in line with the law and has been approved to ensure that we have the necessary manpower to handle forensic investigations efficiently,” he said.
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the formation of the Meghalaya Rural Development Services Recruitment Board (MRDSRB), which will oversee recruitment for the Community and Rural Development (C&RD) department. The board will be responsible for selecting qualified postgraduates and diploma holders from recognized institutes, who will be appointed as junior rural development officers in blocks across the state.
These decisions mark a key step in the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the state’s infrastructure, legal systems, and rural development initiatives.
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