In a significant step toward promoting ecological responsibility and long-term sustainability, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday led a tree plantation drive at the new Assembly campus in Mawdiangdiang, New Shillong, by planting a Conocarpus erectus (Buttonwood) sapling. The initiative, held on June 7th, 2025, underscored the state’s growing commitment to environmental preservation, civic sanitation, and community-led green governance—setting the tone for the state’s developmental vision ahead of the 2027 National Games.
Participating alongside Assembly officials, members of the Forest Department, and other key stakeholders, the Chief Minister described the act of planting a tree as deeply symbolic, stating, “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 thanked Speaker Thomas A Sangma for conceptualising and hosting the event within the new legislative complex.
Highlighting the state’s progress on forest conservation, the Chief Minister revealed that close to 22,000 hectares of forest cover have been added in the last five years, with nearly two crore saplings planted across Meghalaya. Looking ahead, he laid out the state’s target of increasing green cover by 40,000 hectares in the next five years, further intensifying efforts under climate and ecosystem resilience programmes.
He elaborated on the government’s Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiative, which rewards communities with ₹15,000 per hectare annually for protecting forested lands. “Through PES, ₹42 crore has been distributed so far, safeguarding 52,000 hectares of forests,” he said, adding that the new Green Meghalaya Plus programme will scale the incentive to ₹20,000 per hectare while aiming to preserve one lakh hectares in collaboration with local communities.
Addressing urban environmental challenges, the Chief Minister also pointed to Meghalaya’s preparations for hosting the National Games 2027 and the corresponding push for cleaner cities. “Almost 50% of Marten’s legacy waste has already been cleared. Our goal is to transform it into a beautiful garden park,” he informed. Under the Clean Shillong Mission, the government has expanded manpower within the municipal board and initiated pipelining at the Marten facility to address solid waste.
Calling for civic participation, he said, “This is not just a government initiative. We need everyone—leaders, officials, and citizens—to be part of this movement.” He further outlined plans involving purification systems, community engagement, and regulatory frameworks to support holistic urban sanitation.
Describing the plantation drive as a symbolic legacy, he urged officials to remain actively engaged in 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.
In a visually striking initiative, the Chief Minister also announced that 1,000 cherry blossom trees are being planted along a newly built 10-kilometre road within the Mawdiangdiang township. “Inspired by Japan’s scenic avenues, this vision will soon become a reality right here in Meghalaya,” he added, inviting others to participate and help nurture the landscape.
All saplings planted during the programme have been assigned spaces within the new Assembly premises, with a dedicated section earmarked for continuous plantation activities by Assembly staff. The day concluded with an affirmation of Meghalaya’s integrated development model—where environmental protection, public cleanliness, and community participation stand as cornerstones of the state’s progressive agenda.
Dignitaries present at the event included Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira, Cabinet members, Government Chief Whip Sosthenus Sohtun, Deputy Chief Whip Nujorki Sungoh, PCCF & HOFF R.S. Gill, and Assembly Secretary Malthus Sangma.
