Assam, Meghalaya to mark border by Aug 15; launch satellite study to combat Guwahati flooding

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 2, 2025

In a significant step towards resolving longstanding issues, the governments of Assam and Meghalaya have agreed to install boundary pillars at five disputed sites by August 15 and to jointly initiate a satellite-based study of Guwahati’s worsening flood crisis.

The decisions were made during a high-level meeting held in Guwahati on Monday between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.

The talks focused on key areas including interstate border disputes, environmental challenges, and regional development. Sarma confirmed that out of the 12 disputed border areas, six have already been resolved following a January 2022 agreement brokered by the Union Home Minister. “The next step is to physically mark those boundaries. Five sites will have boundary pillars installed before Independence Day,” Sarma said. Minor adjustments remain under discussion in Tarabari and Gijang, with both states considering equal land swaps to ensure fairness.

On the flood crisis in Guwahati, both governments agreed to collaborate with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) to conduct a satellite imaging study of forest areas, water flow patterns, and flood-prone zones. Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma said the findings—expected within three months—will guide a scientific flood management strategy in collaboration with IIT Roorkee. “Once the detailed study is done, we’ll break the analysis into actionable steps that will benefit both states,” he added.

Sarma described the situation in Guwahati as an “environmental emergency,” citing deforestation and rampant hill-cutting near Jorabat—especially around the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM)—as key contributors to the city’s chronic urban flooding. The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has already flagged violations in the area, and a joint compliance report from both states is due soon.

In terms of development, the two states agreed to jointly pursue the Kulsi multi-purpose project, which includes a major irrigation scheme and a proposed 55 MW hydroelectric plant. Assam will finance the irrigation component to support agriculture, while both states pledged to engage local communities before launching the project. Sangma termed it a “win-win” initiative that could also support tourism and energy generation.

“This is another example of our joint commitment,” Sangma said. “Challenges will always exist, but what matters is our willingness to find solutions together.”

The chief minister also informed that second phase of border talks for resolving the six remaining areas of difference will continue. 

The six remaining areas of differences that the regional committees have been tasked with the exercise towards finding amicable solutions, include Langpih, Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block-I & Block-II, Psiar-Khanduli.

The Meghalaya delegation included Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, and senior officials, while the Assam side was represented by CM Sarma, cabinet ministers, and top bureaucrats.