SHILLONG: After Mawlynnong, tagged as Asia’s cleanest village, Nongkrem village in East Khasi Hills promises to be another potential tourist destination following its recent recognition of being the cleanest village under Mawryngkneng Community and Rural Development Block.
The village was bestowed with the Clean and Green village award by Governor Dr KK Paul during the Republic Day celebrations here on January 26 last.
To support the village in its
endeavour of improving the civic amenities and keep the surroundings clean, the office of the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner along with the Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) launched the “Clean and Green Campaign” under the Chief Minister Youth Development Scheme (CMYDS) on Thursday.
While formally launching the campaign, Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal said that the locality deserves all the support following its distinction of being the cleanest village in the area.
“I would urge upon the residents of Nongkrem village to not remain satisfied with only this award. Maintaining the beauty and greenery of the village should be a continuous process,” Goyal said.
The Deputy Commissioner also assured the extension of all possible assistance required to develop the village into a major tourist destination.
Goyal also informed that the “Clean and Green Campaign” was launched with an aim to involve the youth in preserving the greenery and environment.
“We would want the youth to take upon the mantle of taking up issues concerning the protection of the environment,” Deputy Commissioner said adding that the district administration is contemplating the launch of similar campaigns in eight other villages in East Khasi Hills.
Speaking on the occasion, Partner of Pla Iew Club founding member Nicolas Kharkamni also lauded the village for its achievement. He also suggested that the Government can promote adventure tourism in the area besides introducing “a bread and breakfast scheme” where tourist can learn and enjoy the lifestyle of the people of the village. Nongkrem Dorbar Pyllun chairman B Lyngdoh said that the village would not have achieved this distinction without the support and cooperation of the villagers.
“The villagers of Nongkrem understand the importance of protecting their surroundings,” Lyngdoh said.
It may be mentioned that the district administration has tied up with the Nongkrem Youth Development Association (NYDA) to implement this campaign in the village.