Shillong: In a significant move, a high-level consultation between the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya was convened in Guwahati. Organized by the Government of Assam, the meeting saw Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma deliberate on three critical matters: the inter-state border issue, a proposal to commission a joint power and irrigation project, and ways to resolve urban flooding in Guwahati.
During the meeting, Sangma announced collaborative efforts to address the Kulsi project, flood management, and border disputes.
He emphasized the longstanding openness of both states to engage in dialogue and find solutions, stating that the meeting was a testament to their shared commitment.
Highlighting the Kulsi project, Sangma described it as a “win-win” initiative for both Assam and Meghalaya, with potential benefits in power generation, irrigation, and tourism.
He confirmed that both governments had agreed in principle to advance the project, ensuring that consultations with local communities would be held to secure their support and chart the way forward.
Addressing the recurring flood crisis in Assam—exacerbated by climate change and heavy rainfall—Sangma stressed the need for joint action. He noted that while Assam grapples with flooding, Meghalaya faces its own challenges related to economic activities and livelihoods.
To tackle this, the two states will engage the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) to conduct a detailed study using satellite imaging of the various forest areas and submit its report within three months. Subsequently, agencies such as IIT will be roped in to develop actionable solutions beneficial to both states.
On the issue of border disputes, the Chief Minister informed that by August 15, pillars will be erected in the six areas of difference that have already been resolved and included in the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
There are still a few unresolved areas in Gijang and Tarabari, which need to be settled in Meghalaya’s favour before the pillars can be erected.
“We are very close to actually finalizing the pillars, and I am happy to inform you that most likely, by the 15th of August—or before—we will be able to resolve and finalize the actual pillars in the five areas of difference for which the MoU has already been signed. This will be a major milestone and another strong testament to the friendship between the states of Assam and Meghalaya,” he added. He also informed that discussions on the remaining six areas will continue.
Sangma thanked Assam’s Chief Minister, his cabinet, and officials for their leadership and hospitality, reaffirming Meghalaya’s commitment to continued collaboration. “Problems will always exist, but what matters is our willingness to discuss and resolve them together,” he said, underscoring the strong friendship between the two states.
The deliberations also addressed concerns relating to hill cutting near Jorabat, along the Assam-Meghalaya border—an activity cited by many as a contributor to Guwahati’s persistent drainage problems and flooding.
The delegation from Meghalaya included Paul Lyngdoh, Tourism Minister; D.P. Wahlang, IAS, Chief Secretary; and other officials. The Assam delegation comprised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, cabinet ministers, and senior officials.
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