Ninth Five Year Plan 1997-2002 and Annual Plan 1997-98 Draft Proposals Volume - 1. Government of Meghalaya

Abstract

From Introduction: Meghalaya, "the abode of the clouds", became a full-fledged State in January, 1972 embracing an area of approximately 22,500 sq. Kms. Out of two Districts viz : The United Khasi and Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills originally curved out of Assam, when the State was created as an Autonomous State, Meghalaya has now 7 districts viz: (1) Tfe East Khasi Hills District (ii) The West Khasi Hills District (iii) The Jaintia Hills District (vi) Tie Ri-Bhoi District (v) the West Garo Hills District (vi) The East Garo Hills district and (vii) The South Garo Hills District. It is one of the smallest States in India and strategically located in the North-East between 25*5" and 26*10" North latitudes and 98*47" and 97*47" East Longitude. It is a strip of land spread along the Northern boundary of Bangladesh and is bounced by that country on the South as well as the west. The length of the International boundary is about 496 Kms. The State is surrounded on the other sides by Assam which provides the access to Meghalaya mainly by road. The land surface of the State mostly comprises steep hills and deep gorges, the valley land being very small.