Meghalaya Cabinet has made green building certification mandatory for all construction projects with a cumulative built-up area of 10,000 square metres or more. The decision marks a clear policy shift by the state government to integrate environmental responsibility into large-scale development, beginning with its own flagship projects, including the upcoming Secretariat building in New Shillong Township, which will be developed as a green building.
Announcing the decision after chairing the state Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma underlined that the move stems from a minor but crucial amendment to the Meghalaya Building Bylaws, aimed at both incentivising and enforcing sustainable construction practices for large structures. Emphasising the intent behind the reform, Sangma said, “Amendment again to the Meghalaya Building Bylaws, a very minor amendment.” Explaining the rationale further, he added, “Basically we are allowing some kind of benefits to be given and also making it mandatory for certain larger buildings to be Certified as green buildings.” Stressing the compulsory nature of the decision, the Chief Minister stated, “So, therefore, there is a mandate for that.” He reiterated the scope of the policy, saying, “And We are making it necessary for certain buildings of certain size to be certified as green buildings.”
As part of the Cabinet-approved proposal, the Meghalaya Building Bylaws will be amended to formally enforce green building certification for all projects exceeding the prescribed size threshold. Reinforcing the government’s commitment to lead by example, the Chief Minister confirmed that the new Secretariat building coming up in New Shillong Township will comply with green building norms.
