TURA: The foundation for a traditional Garo house known as ‘Niwatram Nokachik’ was laid in the scenic village of Sasatgre on the foothills of the Nokrek National Biosphere park by the Chief Executive Member of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Dipul R Marak , in the presence of villagers and invited dignitaries on Saturday.
The base for the the traditional house was laid in an event organised by the A’”chik Heritage Pursuits (AHP) in collaboration with Upper Sasatgre Management Society, Sakal Aduma.
Speaking on the occasion, the CEM expressed his appreciation for the selection of the exquisite site for the Nokachik and said the location goes well the heritage of their forefathers. He also said ample space for other related activities was also available making it the perfect spot. He also expressed his gratitude to the Upper Sasatgre Management Society, Sakal Aduma and Achik Heritage Pursuits for undertaking the project which intends to provide sustainable economic opportunity by creating various job opportunities with tourism related activities in the region.
Further, Marak said the heritage house can help people with employment such as tour guides, providing traditional cuisine to visitors and make money from selling the famous locally-produced oranges, squash and other fruits and vegetables of the region. In order to attract tourist, he stressed on the need to preserve the rich flora and fauna of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve and its surroundings and also to preserve the water sources of the region.
While addressing the gathering, the chairman of GHADC, Denang T Sangma expressed his gratitude to the Nokma of Sasatgre for donating his land generously and asked the people their in order to successfully implement the project. He also assured every possible help to strengthen the livelihood and reduce jhuming cultivation practiced by the people of the area.
The AHP is facilitating the project for the construction of Nokachik which was sanctioned by Tourism Department of the GHADC amounting to around 11 lakh and is being constructed at the Gabil Aking land under Sasatgre Nokma.
The AHP promotes preservation of traditional culture through awareness, social service and also to promote tourism in the region by creating various self sustainable methods of livelihood including safeguarding and preserving the community reserved forest of the area.
More projects like Bandasal, cottages, fish sanctuary among others are also in the pipeline.
The project when completed would be run and managed by the community of Sakal Aduma.
