Shillong, August 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, today inaugurated the “Pine Home” Eco-Sustainable Project at Mawlangwir Village, Mawkyrwat, in South West Khasi Hills in presence of Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong and Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira.
He also remotely inaugurated the Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum in Mawsynram, highlighting the Government’s dual focus on sustainable development and heritage conservation.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister underscored that Pine Home represents a model of development where sustainability, local knowledge, and modern innovation come together. He highlighted that the project is designed in harmony with nature, preserving the landscape while integrating eco-friendly practices such as natural heating systems, use of recycled materials, and rainwater conservation.
He underscored the importance of community participation, with local artisans, craftsmen, and workers playing a central role in its construction. “Materials used in the project are largely sourced locally, aimed to promoting indigenous resources and skills”, he said.
The Chief Minister further informed that the Government has invested approximately ₹5.90 crore in the project through the Saitsnat Multipurpose Cooperative Society. The facility now includes a restaurant and community hall, conference and training spaces, guest rooms, a Tourism Information Centre, and other amenities.
Emphasising the broader vision, he stated that the Government aims to transform South West Khasi Hills into a destination where visitors stay longer and contribute to the local economy. He highlighted ongoing efforts under the CM Homestay Mission, which aims to establish 3,000 homestays across the State by 2028, generating significant employment opportunities.
He also reiterated that such initiatives reflect the Government’s strategy to promote sustainable tourism, strengthen community ownership, and ensure that economic benefits remain within local communities. He added that Pine Home will 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.
Others who attended include MLA Renikton L. Tongkhar, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, Commissioner & Secretary Smti. Rosetta Mary Kurbah, along with officials of the District Administration, traditional heads, and representatives from partner organisations and community groups.
He also took the opportunity to inform the gathering of the Chief Minister’s Research Grant, through which 48 scholars have been supported in its very first year.
“And through ‘Tracing the Roots’, 75 of our 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”, he added.
He also stressed that Government has made a promise that development would not stop at the outskirts of 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.
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 said.
The project is a collaboration between various Government Departments and other stakeholders, namely Tourism Department, Meghalayan Age Ltd., Picasso Pupils, EMAGE Architecture, the Saitsnat Multipurpose Cooperative Society, and the communities of Mawlangwir and Wahmawpat.
