Mawdiangdiang
Mawdiangdiang, December 4, 2024: The Hon’ble Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shri Thomas A. Sangma, today chaired a meeting of the High-Power Committee (HPC) to review the progress of the New Assembly Building construction at Mawdiangdiang.
The meeting was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Prestone Tynsong (in charge of Parliamentary Affairs and PWD-Building) and Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar (in charge of Urban Affairs), Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma, legislators Shri Charles Pyngrope, Shri Lahkmen Rymbui, and Shri Banteidor Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary Shri D.P. Wahlang, IAS, Assembly Commissioner and Secretary Dr. Andrew Simons, and other officials.
Following the meeting, Hon’ble Speaker Shri Thomas A. Sangma informed that the target for completion of the new Assembly building has been extended, with the aim of inaugurating it before the Autumn Session of 2025. The delay is attributed to the complex and unique design of the dome structure, which requires meticulous and cautious execution.
“The High-Power Committee meeting today was very productive. With deep concern, we have made certain decisions. The progress so far is satisfactory, but we are proceeding very slowly and carefully because of the unique structural design of the main hall dome. There is no similar design in this part of the country. We cannot afford to rush and risk another mishap,” said the Hon’ble Speaker.
He further added, “A structural engineer has already been posted at the site to ensure quality control. Initially, we hoped to hold the budget session here, but we regret that the sensitive work still pending won’t allow us to do so. Instead, we aim to complete the project and inaugurate the building before the autumn session of 2025.”
The dome structure has been identified as a key component causing delays. “The majority of the pending work involves the dome. It includes extensive steel structures being welded and fixed, which takes time and precision,” the Speaker noted.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma reiterated the need for meticulous planning, referencing a previous mishap during construction. “The work is progressing well, but we have faced challenges. Engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD), the Project Management Consultant (PMC), and contractors have held multiple reviews to address every detail. The HPC has agreed on a 100-day extension, making it impossible to hold the Budget Session as originally planned. However, we remain optimistic about completing the project by the Autumn Session of 2025,” he stated.
Highlighting the changes to the dome’s design and materials, the Chief Minister explained, “The earlier dome design was suspended on a platform and weighed 3,000 metric tons. Now, the new design places the dome’s structure on the main beams and foundation, reducing the weight to 85 metric tons. This change ensures greater stability and addresses seismic safety, rain leakage, and long-term maintenance concerns.”
The new Assembly building is envisioned as an iconic and functional structure, designed to provide a conducive working environment with adequate space for legislators, staff, and political parties.