Shillong: Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma on Monday inaugurated ‘Pine Home’, a Rs 5.9-crore sustainable tourism project at Mawlangwir village in South West Khasi Hills district. He also virtually inaugurated the Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum in Mawsynram.Sangma said Pine Home combined local knowledge with modern construction practices. According to him, the project incorporates natural heating, recycled materials and rainwater conservation while seeking to preserve the surrounding landscape.Local artisans, craftspeople and workers participated in its construction, with most materials sourced locally, CM said.The state govt invested around Rs 5.9 crore in the project through the Saitsnat Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Sangma said. The facility includes guest rooms, a restaurant, a community hall, conference and training spaces, and a tourist information centre.CM said the project was part of govt’s plan to encourage visitors to spend more time in South West Khasi Hills and generate income for local communities.He also referred to CM Homestay Mission, under which govt aims to establish 3,000 homestays across Meghalaya by 2028.Sangma said Pine Home could serve as a model for sustainable infrastructure elsewhere in the state.“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.
