Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum in Mawsynram also inaugurated remotely
Mawkyrwat, August 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday inaugurated the Pine Home Eco-Sustainable Project at Mawlangwir village in Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills, showcasing the State Government’s focus on sustainable tourism, community participation and eco-friendly infrastructure.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira were present at the inauguration. The Chief Minister also remotely inaugurated the Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum at Mawsynram, highlighting the Government’s parallel focus on heritage conservation.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma said Pine Home represents a model of development where sustainability, local knowledge and modern innovation come together. The project has been designed to remain in harmony with its natural surroundings while incorporating eco-friendly features, including natural heating systems, recycled materials and rainwater conservation.
He emphasised the role of the local community in the project, noting that artisans, craftsmen and workers were involved in its construction.
“Materials used in the project are largely sourced locally, aimed at promoting indigenous resources and skills,” the Chief Minister said.
According to Sangma, the Government has invested approximately ₹5.90 crore in the project through the Saitsnat Multipurpose Cooperative Society. The facility includes a restaurant and community hall, conference and training spaces, guest rooms, a Tourism Information Centre and other amenities.
The Chief Minister said the broader objective is to transform South West Khasi Hills into a destination where visitors stay longer and contribute more significantly to the local economy.
He highlighted the CM Homestay Mission, which aims to establish 3,000 homestays across Meghalaya by 2028, with the potential to generate employment and expand tourism-related livelihood opportunities.
Sangma said initiatives such as Pine Home reflect the Government’s 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 developing similar eco-friendly infrastructure across Meghalaya.
He also spoke about the Chief Minister’s Research Grant, informing the gathering that 48 scholars had been supported during 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.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to balanced development, the Chief Minister said development should not remain concentrated around Shillong and that the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills must progress together.
He said the Pine Home project in South West Khasi Hills and the Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum in Mawsynram represent this vision in tangible form.
“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.
Sangma congratulated the Tourism Department, partner organisations and the local communities involved in the project, expressing confidence that the initiative would inspire similar sustainable development projects in the future.
Among those present were Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton L. Tongkhar, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, Commissioner & Secretary Rosetta Mary Kurbah, officials of the District Administration, traditional heads, representatives of partner organisations and community groups.
The Pine Home 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.
