Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has launched an avenue plantation project aimed at developing New Shillong as a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable urban centre.
Under the project, initiated in 2025, the State plans to plant 6,000 trees along more than 25 km of roads and 2 km of medians in the upcoming township, with an investment of ?2.5 crore over five years. Officials said the initiative seeks to ensure that rapid urban development does not come at the cost of ecological balance.
Plantations are being carried out along major arterial roads in New Shillong Township, including the Ummir Junction–Mawkhanur corridor, where 6,340 saplings have already been planted along a proposed road stretch of 16.56 km. The project targets a total of 10,000 plants along this corridor.
According to official documents, the avenue plantations are designed as a green infrastructure intervention rather than a routine beautification exercise. The initiative is expected to reduce air pollution, mitigate the urban heat island effect, control soil erosion, and improve road safety and aesthetics.
Pollution-tolerant native species suited to Meghalaya’s climate are being prioritised to regulate microclimates, provide shade, and enhance roadside biodiversity. The avenue design includes layered plantations, with trees for shade and shrubs to improve visibility and commuter safety.
The project also incorporates community participation, with local residents involved in planting, training, and long-term maintenance, a move expected to generate employment and ensure sustainability.
The government has proposed long-term monitoring mechanisms, including tracking survival rates, canopy growth, and air quality indicators. Officials said the green corridors are expected to improve urban health, biodiversity, and overall liveability as New Shillong develops into the State’s future administrative hub.