Shillong (Meghalaya), June 5: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma marked World Environment Day on June 5 with twin programmes in Upper Shillong and Mawrah, pushing conservation, community-led tourism and daily environmental action.
At Sangmein, 5th Mile, Upper Shillong, the Chief Minister led a rhododendron plantation drive organised by the Forests & Environment Department under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” The drive focused on _Rhododendron arboreum_ and aligned with the national “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and LiFE principles. Addressing students and officials, he said programmes must be citizen-centric and that “every day should be Environment Day,” urging small daily actions like recycling, energy conservation and reduced vehicle use.
Later at Mawrah, East Khasi Hills, he distributed Green Meghalaya cheques under the State’s Payment for Ecosystem Services initiative and inaugurated Eco-Cottages and a Glass House Restaurant at Mawrah Lake to boost eco-tourism. He led a Miyawaki plantation drive and said tourism must deliver experience, not just infrastructure, calling on locals to run homestays, supply farm produce and showcase culture through music and dance.
The Chief Minister highlighted Mawrah’s transformation from water scarcity to a model village through spring rejuvenation and vegetation restoration, crediting community effort and the Soil Conservation Department. Commissioner & Secretary Tourism Vijay Kumar D said Meghalaya has brought one lakh hectares under active protection through afforestation and PES, with nearly 25,000 hectares planted in five years and 14,000 more targeted this year. Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed and Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem joined the Mawrah programme.
