The government of Meghalaya has acknowledged a sharp rise in drug trafficking in West Garo Hills, raising concerns over the effectiveness of law enforcement. Adding to the region’s challenges, frequent power outages in rural areas continue to disrupt daily life.
Increase in Drug Trafficking Cases
During the Meghalaya Budget Session on March 11, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh stated that drug-related activities are increasing in the plain belt region of West Garo Hills. He highlighted the area’s strategic location as a key reason, with smugglers from neighboring states and Bangladesh using it as a major transit route.
“The region serves as a passage to Assam and West Bengal via the Brahmaputra River and also to Bangladesh,” said Paul Lyngdoh.
Despite the rise in drug smuggling, only one official drug-related case has been registered so far in 2025. The case, filed under Tikrikilla PS Case No. 02(02)2025 u/s 22(a)/25 NDPS Act, 1985, was detected in Tillapara Bongarpar, Tikrikilla. The low number of arrests and drug seizures has led to criticism of the government’s efforts to curb trafficking.
Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and Rehabilitation Efforts
To combat drug smuggling, the government has established an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in the district. However, without significant arrests or large drug seizures, concerns remain over its effectiveness.
For those struggling with drug addiction, the Tura Civil Hospital Addiction Treatment Facility is the only rehabilitation center available in the region. This facility is supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Frequent Power Outages in Rural Areas
In addition to the drug crisis, residents of West Garo Hills are facing severe power disruptions, making daily life increasingly difficult.
Power Minister AT Mondal cited multiple reasons for the electricity failures, including:
- Scheduled maintenance of power lines and substations.
- Transformer failures in rural areas.
- Infrastructure damage caused by flash floods and cyclones, especially during the monsoon season.
“Power interruptions in the rural areas of West Garo Hills occur due to maintenance shutdowns, damaged transformers, and extreme weather conditions,” said AT Mondal.
Steps to Improve Power Supply
While the government is working to upgrade the power infrastructure, progress has been slow. Key initiatives include:
- Upgrading 33/11KV substations and transmission lines under schemes like NERPSIP, ADB, and RDSS.
- Reinforcing manpower and technical support to improve service reliability.
However, the government has not provided a clear timeline for when power conditions will improve.
How Residents Can Report Power Issues
For consumers facing repeated power cuts, the government has advised them to:
- Lodge complaints with the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum in Tura.
- Contact field officers of MePDCL for immediate assistance.
- Report issues via the CM-Connect portal and helpline services.
Conclusion
As drug trafficking continues to rise in West Garo Hills, residents are calling for stronger law enforcement and more rehabilitation facilities. At the same time, power shortages remain a major issue, with locals urging the government to speed up infrastructure improvements. With no immediate solutions in sight, the people of Meghalaya remain hopeful for effective reforms and quicker action.
