By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: KHADC CEM Pynshngain N Syiem has informed that the Council has received a total allocation of around Rs 4 crore from the 13th Finance Commission to create the necessary infrastructure for development of the ‘traditional heritage village’ at the proposed sites near the Sacred Groves in Mawphlang.
“The traditional village would be developed for holding of the proposed Annual Monolith Festival to showcase the indigenous culture and tradition of the Himas (traditional states) within the Khasi Hills,” Syiem told The Shillong Times on Sunday.
He however informed that the Council has already received a total amount of Rs 2.81 crore which is the first instalment of the total fund allocated for the purpose.
“We would want the work to start at the earliest. We are going to issue the work order at the earliest,” KHADC CEM said.
Replying to query, he said that the major infrastructure they would develop in the first phase is the MP theatres and the traditional huts while adding that they are contemplating to utilise the second instalment of the funds for construction of the footpaths and other necessary facilities.
“We are planning to lay the foundation stone for the project before the coming winter session,” Syiem said.
When asked when the festival is going to take place, he said that they would be able to organise the ‘Monolith Festival’ only when the necessary infrastructure has come up.
“They are likely to hold festival only by the beginning of next year,” Syiem said.
In December last year, the council had constituted a Monolith Festival Committee headed by executive member (EM) in-charge of culture, Teinwell Dkhar. Other members of the committee include Neil Antonio War, Lamphrang Blah, Enbin K Raswai, Embhah Syiemlieh, Adelbert Nongrum, Grace Mary Kharpuri and officials of the council.
It may be recalled that The Hima Mawphlang, under the leadership of its Lyngdoh (chief), N.K. Lyngdoh, inked the agreement with the council for an unspecified span of time where the council has also been given land measuring 8 acres to develop the traditional heritage village wherein the annual Monolith Festival would be organised.
During the festival, all the 54 Himas within the confines of the council would be invited to showcase their culture and tradition in the form of dances, music, cuisines and attires.