Shillong, September 15: The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the establishment of an independent institutional mechanism to monitor and ensure the safety of dams across the State, along with the one-time regularisation of 11 supervisors serving under the Social Welfare Department.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said Meghalaya has around 12 to 13 dams that require regular safety inspections and monitoring.

He said that previously, officials from agencies responsible for operating and maintaining the dams were also involved in assessing their safety. The Government of India, however, pointed out that the arrangement could lead to a conflict of interest, as the same agencies managing the dams were also certifying their safety.

Following the Centre’s recommendations, the State Government has decided to establish a separate structure comprising designated officers who will independently conduct inspections and ensure compliance with prescribed dam-safety standards.

The new mechanism will undertake regular checks, monitoring and safety assessments of dams in accordance with applicable rules and procedures.

In another decision, the Cabinet approved the one-time regularisation of 11 supervisors serving under the Social Welfare Department.

Sangma said the decision was taken in compliance with judicial directions. The matter had earlier been heard by the High Court, challenged before a Division Bench and subsequently taken to the Supreme Court.

Following the final court order, the Government approved the regularisation of the 11 supervisors strictly as a one-time measure.

Sangma clarified that the decision applies only to the particular case and cannot be cited as a precedent for similar claims in the future.