Further, major groups like Lafarge Cement, Dalmia Group, Balaji etc. are also exploring possibilities to set up major cement plants in Meghalaya. Besides cement industries, other industries are also operating in the state such as timber/plywood, coke, brick moulding, stone chips etc. Mawmluh Cherra Cement Limited (Govt. of Meghalaya undertaking) is also located in the eastern region of the state. The limestone from Shella of East Khasi Hills district is supplied to Bangladesh through Belt Conveyor (17 kms in length) for its Lafarge Cement plant. Further, from the Bholaganj area, limestone is supplied by ropeway to Bangladesh. Some industrial units are also located in Nongpoh, Byrnihat areas of Meghalaya which are boosting further industrial growth.

 

In view of all this, it is clear that Meghalaya is blessed with valuable minerals and various industries could be set up here. Being blessed with the natural resource of water, there is ample opportunity for the setting up of power projects. The power generation/distribution done by the Meghalaya State Electricity Board caters the major needs of Meghalaya. As per the Geological Survey of India, uranium deposits are also available in West Khasi Hills district; thus the chances of setting up nuclear power plants are also highly feasible.

It needs to be mentioned here that the setting up of industries certainly exploits natural resources of the area, degrades the environment and imbalance the eco-system causing hardship to the local people. Therefore, it is essential and even mandatory for industrialists to take care of the natural environment and peripheral development of local areas where the industries are set up. They should ensure that development of local area infrastructures, community centres, health and education of local/surrounding people is taken care of properly.

However, it is surprising that Meghalaya though being rich in minerals, having good climatic conditions, being a peaceful region and having big educational centres at Shillong; is cut off from the rest of the country. This is a grave concern and the state needs to be more in tune with the rest of the country. Government of India should also take initiatives in developing infrastructure such as a rail route, National Highway, Umroi Airport expansion and providing assistance for setting up industries. Further, there is a conducive atmosphere for developing tourism in various parts of state such as Nartiang (Jaintia Hills), Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, Shillong, Baghmara (Garo Hills), Nongstoin (West Khasi Hills) and other such places.

Meghalaya already has an advantage as it has been blessed with abundant natural resources. With a little effort and some clear cut initiatives, it would be no surprise to see the state standing on a pedestal of development in the years ahead.