Shillong, Aug 6: The Synjuk ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Shnong Mawsynram C&RD Block, an umbrella body of traditional heads and secretaries representing 164 villages, has submitted a fresh memorandum to Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma urging the long-pending demand for upgrading the Mawsynram Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Block to a Civil Sub-Division.
Chairman Hiamdor Rapsang mentioned that they submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, and the Synjuk expressed gratitude to the government for its ongoing administrative reforms but highlighted the pressing need to bring governance closer to one of the most remote and topographically challenging regions in the state.
“This is the long-term aspiration of the rural people for the upgradation of Mawsynram C&RD Block into a full-fledged Civil Sub-Division, a demand that has remained unfulfilled for the last 20 years,” said Rapsang.
Established in 1962, the Mawsynram Block is one of the oldest in Meghalaya, currently catering to over 65,000 people across 144 villages, spread across approximately 510 sq km. The leaders noted that despite its size and significance, residents continue to face severe hardships in accessing administrative services, especially those living in border areas close to Bangladesh.
Mawsynram, known globally as one of the wettest places on earth, is not just a tourism hotspot but also a research destination for scientists from around the world. Yet, locals remain economically backward and feel sidelined in terms of administrative support.
“The upgradation will not only ease the burden on residents but will also improve delivery of governance in this sensitive border region. The region already meets the required criteria, including population, area coverage, and existing government infrastructure,” said Rapsang.
“Chief minister gave us a good positive response but highlighted that he will have to follow procedures and take it up in the cabinet . But we’re delighted with the CMs response,” said Rapsang.
