About Us

INTRODUCTION

Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council came into being on 1964 when composite State of Assam by notification No. TAD/R/50/64 dated 23.11.1964 which carved out of the erstwhile United Khasi Jaintia Hills the whole area that was known as jowai Sub Division to form a seperate District Council called as Jowai Autonomous District Council. Later when the State of Meghalaya attained its Statehood in January 1972, Jowai Subdivision was upgraded as Civil District known as Jaintia Hills District and likewise , the Jowai Autonomous District Council was rechristined as Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council vide Notification Dt-14.6.73.

With the passage of time and for administrative convenience, three Civil Sub Division have been created to effectively bring the administration and development nearer to the people. (Viz Khlieriat Sub-Division formely known as Khliehriat Administrative unit, Amlarem Sub -Division formerly known as Jaintia Border Sub- Division and later Saipung Sub-Division). In the year 2013 khliehriat Sub-Division was upgraded into a Civil District to form a new District known as East Jaintia Hills. However, the name of the Autonomous District Council continues to remain the same in view of ethnicity, culture and common belief of the people.

The whole area of territorial jurisdiction of Jaintia Hills Autonomous Council lies between the lattitudes of 24^o58' and 26^o3'N and the longitudes of 91^o59' and 92^o51'E with an area of 3,819Km² approximately. This is an area that remains after the transfer of a large chunk of its area (1,543 Km² consisting 348 villages) to the newly created United Mikir and North Cachar Hills District in 1951.

GENERAL

The territorial jurisdiction of Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council forms the easternmost part of Meghalaya.

BOUNDARIES:-

North:- Mikir Hills(rechristined as Karbi Annglong District) of Assam.

East:- North Cachar Hills (recently rechristined as Dima Hasao) and Cachar District of Assam.

South:- Bangladesh.

West:- East Khasi Hills District.

Area, population and density of population.

Area- 3,819 Km²

population - Male = 1,96,285, Female = 1,98,839, total = 3,95,124

Density of population = 103

TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES:-

The Hill area of Jaintia Hills is similar to that of Khasi Hills. It is divided into three sections, running East and West . Towards the south, in War region which also extends to the plain in Bangladesh and Cachar. It is the middle is the highland which has point of height at Maryngksih Peak at 5,337 ft. Running on the south easterly direction the highlands extends into the jungle in North Cachar Hills. The northern strip comprises of low lying terrain region, fertile and favourable for cultivation.

HILLS AND PEAK:-

Some of the important peaks are:-

Lum Maryngksih:- 5,337' above the sea level, the highest peak in Jaintia Hills.

Lum Iakorsing:- 4,751' above the sea level. It is located at Nongkhlieh village.

Lum Bahboo-Bahkong:- 3,367' above the sea level. It is located in Narpuh Forest. The peak presents a peculiar shape, when looking from afar. It takes the shape of human carrying two others in its back. If has folklore to tell, it is said.

Lum Sonaraja:- 2,925' above the sea level. It is located in the Southern side of Narpuh forest.

Lum Tiniang:- 4,396' above the sea level. It is located near Raliang village.

Lum Nongjngi:- 4,548' above the sea level .Located within Nongjngi village, the headquarter of the Dolloiship Nongjngi.

Lum Musiang Malakongor:- A rock formation, located near the north-eastern border of the District.

RIVERS AND LAKES:-

The rivers in Jaintia hills are rain fed. This result in the abundant flow of water during monsoon period and modest during the winter months.

IMPORTANT RIVERS OF THE DISTRICT:-

Myngngot River:- It forms part of the central boundary separating Khasi Hills from the Jaintia Hills in the South. It flows through the rugged terrain and steep ravines before reaching Dawki village on its way towards the plain to meet Surma or Barak river in Bangladesh.

Myntdu River:- It has its source in Mihmyntdu village near Jowai. Thhe river in serenity, slowly meanders its way through the valleys and ravines almost encircling Jowai Town before it veers its course in the southern direction to continue its way to join Surma or Barak river in Bangladesh. This river has many tales and folklores that connect with the life of natives in the days of yore. There are natives who revere it as a deity.

Lukha river:- It has its source near Saipung Reserve Forest and flows in the southern direction to join Surma or Barak river. Lukha is one of the few rivers in the hills that splits itself to create two separate rivers that bears different names.

Simlieng:- It is a branch that splits from Lukha river.

Kupli River:- It flows in the north easterly direction to join with the great Bramaputra river in Assam. Kupli has also two major tributaries namely (1) Myntang and (2) Mynriang. It also forms as a boundary with North Cachar Hills, Assam.

MAJOR BRIDGES:-

The District has 2(two) suspension motorable major bridges.

(1) Dawki Bridge over Mynngot River:- The bridge was constructed during the British period connecting Sylhet District (now in Bangladesh) with Guwahati via Shillong.

(2) Lukha bridge near Sonapur village:- The bridge was constructed and completed during 196__ . It has become one of the important Bridge connecting the people of North East(Tripura, Lower Assam and Mizoram) with the rest of Indian mainland.

LAKES:- Jaintia Hills has many lakes which may be due to the flat character of the plateau . Here are the notable ones.

1. Thadlaskein Lake:- The lake is situated by the side N.H - 44 at a distance of 8 Kms Jowai and 56 Kms from Shillong . The scenery here is captivating, especially for those who wants to stay away from the hubhub, hustle and jostle of city life. With its modernization development and the existence of a standard hotel here, the lake has become a sightseers attraction. An annual fishing competition is also being held here with handsome prizes at stake.
2. Bir Jympamasi or Mungkoitok:- Located at Nartiang village.
3. Umtisong:- Also located at Nartiang village
4. Umbhang:- Located at Bataw village, Lakadong Dalloiship . It is one of the large lakes if not largest in the whole of Meghalaya.