In a landmark initiative reflecting the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in collaboration with the Forest Department organized a Tree Plantation Programme at the New Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Campus, Mawdiangdiang, on July 23, 2025.

The programme was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Chandrashekhar H. Vijaya Sankar, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Speaker Shri Thomas A. Sangma, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Prestone Tynsong, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker Shri Timothy D. Shira, Cabinet Ministers Shri. Rakkam A Sangma, Shri. Marcuise N Marak, Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh , Shri AT Mondal , Opposition Chief Whip Shri Ronnie V Lyngdoh and MLAs from across party lines.

Governor Emphasizes Native and Medicinal Plant Species

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Governor Shri Chandrashekhar H. Vijaya Sankar praised the architectural grandeur of the new Assembly complex and lauded the plantation drive as a visionary step. He underscored the importance of planting native species, medicinal plants, and endangered species, while cautioning against monoculture due to its ecological impact.
Calling Meghalaya the “heaven of India,” the Governor reminded the gathering of the state’s unique biodiversity and its responsibility to preserve it. “What is our responsibility to bring back the ecological balance?” he asked, urging collective action.

Speaker Announces Trees Will Bear Legislators’ Names

Hon’ble Speaker Shri Thomas A. Sangma, in his address, emphasised that the plantation drive marks a unified commitment to environmental protection. He announced that the trees planted by the dignitaries will be tagged with their names — symbolizing a long-lasting pledge towards a greener Meghalaya.
“The new Assembly complex is envisioned not just as a symbol of legislative progress, but as a green, sustainable space that echoes our ecological values,” he said.

Chief Minister Calls for Climate-Conscious Leadership

Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma termed the plantation initiative as a historic and symbolic act, aligning it with the global fight against climate change. He recalled the dialogue from the film Gladiator: “What we do today echoes in eternity,” stating that the trees planted today will stand as a legacy for future generations.
He also highlighted the state’s success under the One Citizen One Tree initiative, which led to the planting of nearly two crore trees across Meghalaya.
The Chief Minister urged all MLAs to regularly visit and care for their planted trees, reinforcing a deeper message of environmental ownership and personal commitment.

On the status of the New Assembly Complex, the Chief Minister informed that while certain technical aspects of the main hall are pending due to sound and security requirements, the project is nearing completion and expected to be operational soon.

Widespread Participation by MLAs

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from MLAs across party lines including:
Shri Rupert Momin, Smt Santa Mary Shylla, Shri Gavin M Mylliem, Shri Kartush R Marak, Shri Renikton L Tongkhar, Shri RG Momin, Shri Arbinstone B Marak, Shri Pongseng R Marak, Dr. Mizanur Rahman Kazi, Shri Sengchim N Sangma, Shri Jim M Sangma, Shri Brening A Sangma, Shri Mayralborn Syiem, Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, Shri Pius Marwein, Shri Mathew Beyondstar Kurbah, Shri Nujorki Sungoh, Shri Charles Marngar, Shri Ian Botham K Sangma, Shri Methodius Dkhar, Shri Gabriel Wahlang, Shri Subir Marak, Shri Lahkmen Rymbui, Smt Miani D Shira, Shri Adelbert Nongrum, Shri Rupa M Marak and Shri Heaving Stone Kharpran.