Book Description

Meghalaya is situated in North Eastern part of India with an area of 22,429 square kilometres. The total population of the state is 29, 64,001 as per census of India 2011(Meghalaya population census data, 2011) Meghalaya emerged as a full- fledged State on 21st January 1972withinShillong as its capital. The State lies within 2501 and 2605 North latitudes and 85049 and 92052 East Longitudes. Meghalaya is amongst the highest rainfall areas in the world with an annual average rainfall of 11,000 mm during the period of 1980-91.The total land area is 22, 42,900 hectares. Forest covers about 9, 44,108 hectares (Ministry of development of North Eastern Region, Government of India). The whole state is a hilly region; the rivers are perennial in nature with a large number of rapid streams and rivulets, joining the rivers. Meghalaya comes within the Eastern Himalayas Region (Zone II), which shaped the development in social, economic, and political and communication of the rural economy. (census of India, 2011)