Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma marked World Environment Day 2026 by inaugurating new eco-tourism facilities in the East Khasi Hills district. During the event at Mawrah, Sangma unveiled a set of eco-cottages and a glass house restaurant aimed at boosting local tourism and creating sustainable livelihoods for residents.
The programme, organized by the Tourism Department and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency, highlighted the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection. As part of the visit, the Chief Minister distributed Green Meghalaya cheques through the state's Payment for Ecosystem Services initiative and joined a plantation drive using the Miyawaki technique to restore native forest density.
Sangma praised the village for its progress in overcoming past environmental degradation through water conservation and spring rejuvenation. He highlighted that these new facilities are designed to offer visitors a high-quality experience while ensuring economic gains stay within the community. He urged locals to develop homestays and supply the tourism industry with locally grown goods like fish, poultry, and vegetables.
Speaking on the shift toward community-driven progress, the Chief Minister emphasized that government efforts should prioritize the public. He stated, "government programmes should focus on recognising citizens and community members rather than public representatives and officials."
The administration intends to replicate the Mawrah model in other regions across the state. Sangma expressed confidence that by integrating farmers and entrepreneurs into the tourism value chain, Meghalaya can continue to grow as a destination where conservation and development move forward together.
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