Mawkyrwat, August 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday inaugurated the Pine Home Eco-Sustainable Project at Mawlangwir village in South West Khasi Hills, highlighting the government’s focus on sustainable tourism, community participation and local economic development.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira were also present. Sangma also remotely inaugurated the Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum in Mawsynram.
Speaking at the event, Sangma said Pine Home represents a model of development that combines sustainability, local knowledge and modern innovation. The project has been designed to preserve the natural landscape while incorporating eco-friendly features such as natural heating systems, recycled materials and rainwater conservation.
He said local artisans, craftsmen and workers played a central role in constructing the facility, with materials largely sourced locally to promote indigenous resources and skills.
The government has invested approximately ₹5.90 crore in the project through the Saitsnat Multipurpose Cooperative Society. Pine Home now includes a restaurant and community hall, conference and training spaces, guest rooms, a Tourism Information Centre and other amenities.
Sangma said the government aims to transform South West Khasi Hills into a destination where visitors stay longer and contribute more to the local economy. He highlighted the CM Homestay Mission, which targets the establishment of 3,000 homestays across Meghalaya by 2028, creating additional employment opportunities.
He said such projects reflect the government’s broader strategy of promoting sustainable tourism, strengthening community ownership and ensuring that economic benefits remain within local communities. He added that Pine Home could serve as a model for future eco-friendly infrastructure across Meghalaya.
Congratulating all stakeholders, including the Tourism Department, partner organisations, and the local community, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the project will inspire similar initiatives in the future.
Sangma also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Research Grant, under which 48 scholars have been supported in its first year.
Under the ‘Tracing the Roots’ initiative, he said, 75 scholars will travel to Vietnam, Cambodia and Tibet to study the origins and journeys of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo people.
“A society that knows where it came from walks with far greater confidence into where it is going,” Sangma said.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that development extends beyond Shillong.
“That the Garo Hills, the Khasi Hills and the Jaintia Hills would rise together. Today, in a village in South West Khasi Hills and on a hillside in Mawsynram, that promise has taken the shape of brick, timber, clay and stone,” he said.
“Let Pine Home be our living laboratory and Twahlongwar our living classroom. Let their lessons shape climate-resilient schools, health centres, eco-lodges and homestays across Meghalaya,” he added.
Those present included MLA Renikton L. Tongkhar, Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P. Ahammed, Commissioner and Secretary Rosetta Mary Kurbah, officials of the district administration, traditional heads, partner organisations and community representatives.
The project is a collaboration involving the Tourism Department, Meghalayan Age Ltd., Picasso Pupils, EMAGE Architecture, Saitsnat Multipurpose Cooperative Society, and the communities of Mawlangwir and Wahmawpat.
