Glasshouse restaurants among tourism infra opened at Mawrah, EK Hills
Shillong, June 5: Nearly one lakh hectares of forests and natural landscapes have been brought under active protection and monitoring in Meghalaya, thanks to the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiative and afforestation programmes.
This was announced during the celebration of World Environment Day at Mawrah in East Khasi Hills where Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated an eco-tourism infrastructure, including eco-cottages and a glasshouse restaurant. The Chief Minister also distributed Green Meghalaya cheques under PES, rewarding communities for environmental stewardship.
Afforestation has been carried out across nearly 25,000 hectares over the past five years and the government plans to add another 14,000 hectares this year. “Through a combination of afforestation programmes and the Payment for Ecosystem Services initiative, we have successfully brought one lakh hectares under active protection and monitoring,” Tourism Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar D said on the occasion.
Earlier, addressing the programme, the Chief Minister described the village as a model of how conservation and economic development can work together.
He said the area, once affected by water scarcity and environmental degradation, has been transformed through spring rejuvenation, vegetation restoration and water conservation efforts.
“Today, because of the dedication of the community and the efforts of the Soil Conservation Department and other agencies, Mawrah has become a model for others. What many thought was impossible a few years ago is now a reality before our eyes,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted how the rejuvenation of springs, restoration of vegetation, and creation of water storage infrastructure had transformed the village into an emerging tourism destination while simultaneously addressing local water requirements and creating livelihood opportunities.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated newly developed tourism facilities at Mawrah Lake and said the project demonstrates how environmental conservation can generate livelihoods through community-based tourism.
He further participated in a plantation drive undertaken using the Miyawaki method, an afforestation technique designed to accelerate the growth of dense, native forests and support ecological restoration.
“Tourism is not just about infrastructure. Tourism is not merely about a restaurant or a cottage. Tourism is about experience,” he said, adding that the success of the destination would ultimately depend on the hospitality, warmth, and participation of local residents.
Drawing a parallel with healthcare services, he remarked that buildings alone do not create meaningful experiences.
The Chief Minister urged local communities to work collectively towards creating a welcoming environment for visitors and stressed the importance of skill development and hospitality training.
He also called for greater participation of local artists, musicians, and youth in showcasing Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, folklore, fashion, and other cultural expressions.
Referring to the State Government’s homestay initiatives, he encouraged local residents to establish homestays and tourism-linked enterprises so that economic gains remain within the community.
The Chief Minister also welcomed plans to develop similar environmentally sustainable and community-driven tourism destinations across Meghalaya, stating that the Mawrah model demonstrates how conservation and economic development can go hand in hand.
Highlighting the broader objective of government interventions, the Chief Minister remarked that development projects should ultimately be measured by their impact on people’s lives.
“Success is not measured by the inauguration of a reservoir, a restaurant, or a cottage. Those are important milestones, but the real measure of success lies in how these projects improve people’s lives,” he said.
Assuring continued support for the village, he said the Government, in partnership with the local MLA and community leaders, would continue to strengthen infrastructure and tourism facilities in the area while advancing environmental conservation efforts.
On the significance of World Environment Day, the Chief Minister reminded citizens that environmental responsibility must extend beyond a single day of observance.
Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem, in his address, highlighted achievements of Mawrah village in water conservation and environmental stewardship through collective community effort and government support.
“The inauguration of these cottages and tourism facilities is not merely the creation of infrastructure; it is an investment in the future of our people and our environment,” he said.
In his address, Chief Secretary Shakil P Ahammed said future tourism destinations would increasingly be judged by their ability to conserve natural resources and local culture, adding that Meghalaya was positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism and environmental protection.
Sordar of Mawrah, Phrangsngi Nongrum requested additional infrastructure and safety measures, including footpaths and protective fencing, to further improve the visitor experience.
The programme, organised by the Tourism Department and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency under the theme “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future”, also included a plantation drive using the Miyawaki method and the distribution of PES benefits to local communities.
