Shillong, Jul 7: The state government has announced that 400 lower and upper primary schools, along with SSA schools in West Garo Hills, will be fitted with rainwater harvesting systems and ramps with handrails by next month.
According to the District Mission Coordinator, Samagra Shiksha the project, approved under the Project Approval Board (PAB) for 2026-27, requires equipping each school with rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. These systems will include essential components such as gutters, downpipes, filtration units, and storage or recharge facilities. Furthermore, to comply with barrier-free accessibility norms, ramps with handrails will be constructed, ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities, can access classrooms effortlessly.
The coordinator has asked heads of schools, junior engineers and cluster resource coordinators to monitor quality and timely execution while schools will have to submit monthly physical and financial progress reports complemented by photographs. Upon completion, institutions have also been directed to submit various documents, including completion certificates and expenditure statements, for payment release.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted that the project reflects a broader commitment to upgrading the educational landscape in Meghalaya, aiming for every child to learn in an improved environment with better facilities. Through sustained investments, the state is transforming government schools into inclusive and environmentally sustainable learning spaces, he said.
