The Chief Minister said the government will review the idea carefully before taking any step
KRC TIMES NE Desk
Shillong: The Meghalaya government is examining a proposal to carve out the Shillong Urban Agglomeration as a separate district from East Khasi Hills.
The matter came up during the 2026 Budget Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. It was raised by 18–West Shillong MLA Bah Paul Lyngdoh.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma responded to the proposal on the floor of the House. He said the idea holds importance as Shillong is growing fast. A new district could help in smoother administration and better public services.
He explained that as per Census 2011, an Urban Agglomeration is a core town with nearby towns and villages that grow together as one urban unit.
Shillong’s Urban Agglomeration includes:
- Shillong Municipal Board
- Shillong Cantonment Board
- 10 census towns
- 54 villages spread across East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi
The Chief Minister also spoke about the Shillong Master Plan 2011–2041. He noted that people are slowly moving from the main municipal area to nearby towns and villages. This makes planning harder if areas fall under different systems.
He stressed the need for joint planning between government bodies and traditional institutions.
On forming a new district, he said several points must be studied. These include population, distance from present headquarters, education and health facilities, roads, economy, and funding support.
Any such proposal must go through a committee led by the Chief Secretary. Senior officials from key departments will study it.
The Chief Minister said the government will review the idea carefully before taking any step. He also thanked Bah Paul Lyngdoh for raising the issue and opening a wider discussion on improving governance in the State capital.
