Shillong, June 5: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday reaffirmed Meghalaya’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental conservation and community-led tourism while attending the World Environment Day programme at Mawrah village in East Khasi Hills.
The programme, organised under the theme “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future,” highlighted the transformation of Mawrah into a model of integrated water resource management and eco-tourism. The Mawrah Multipurpose Reservoir Project has been recognised in the Economic Survey 2024-25 for its focus on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, spring rejuvenation and land rehabilitation. The project currently has more than six hectares under afforestation and one hectare under Miyawaki plantation.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced a change in government protocol, stating that public programmes should focus on honouring local citizens rather than dignitaries and chief guests. Emphasising the importance of environmental responsibility, Sangma said World Environment Day should not be limited to a single day of observance. “World Environment Day is every day of our life. It should not stop with the one tree that we plant today but continue through every action and activity we undertake,” he said.
The Chief Minister praised the collaboration between the local community and the Soil and Water Conservation Department, which transformed Mawrah from a water-scarce village into an emerging eco-tourism destination. During the programme, he inaugurated newly developed eco-cottages and a glass house restaurant aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and creating livelihood opportunities for local residents.
Sangma outlined a vision for tourism that goes beyond infrastructure, stressing that visitors should experience the warmth, culture and hospitality of local communities. He encouraged residents to participate in homestay programmes and supply local agricultural produce to tourism establishments to ensure economic benefits remain within the community.
He also proposed the creation of a structured calendar of cultural performances at the newly developed amphitheatre, providing a platform for local musicians, artists and storytellers while enhancing the visitor experience. The Chief Minister further directed that skill development and training programmes be provided to local youth and tourism stakeholders.
Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem described the event as a convergence of environmental conservation, community participation and sustainable tourism development. He noted that government schemes can only succeed with active cooperation from local communities.
Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed urged villagers to take ownership of public assets created through government initiatives and preserve them for future generations. “My humble request to the village and local communities is to protect, preserve and maintain these assets, as they can become a source of livelihood for the people,” he said.
Commissioner and Secretary of the Planning Department, Dr. Vijay Kumar D., highlighted the state’s achievements in afforestation and ecosystem protection. He informed that nearly 25,000 hectares have been brought under afforestation over the last five years and announced that Meghalaya has achieved its target of bringing one lakh hectares under active protection through afforestation and the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiative.
As part of the programme, the Chief Minister distributed Green Meghalaya+ cheques worth ₹1.2 crore to the top 20 beneficiaries and participated in a plantation drive using the Miyawaki method. He also formally inaugurated the eco-cottages and glass house restaurant developed at the site.
