Cleanest village earns accolade for ‘Best Eco Tourism Destination’

SHILLONG, Aug 26: Dubbed as Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong village located in East Khasi Hills district has added another feather to its cap with the silver award for ‘Best Eco Tourism Destination’ in the country.
The accolade was conferred to the representatives of the Meghalaya government at the glittering Outlook Traveller Awards function 2022 organised in New Delhi recently. The event is considered the ‘end word’ in terms of quality and competence in travel and tourism industry.
The awardees were picked by a team of expert jurors from across the industry and government agencies based on stringent global tourism parameters. The recognitions were handed out by Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, and Development of North-eastern Region of India, G Kishan Reddy.
Besides Mawlynnong village, another destination in Meghalaya — the famous ‘Shillong to Sohra route’ — was nominated among the ‘Best Scenic roads in India’.
Talking about the achievement, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasised that tourism has the potential to bring in development as well as promote grassroots development.
“This accolade from a reputed platform like Outlook Traveller is a testimony to this (Meghalaya government’s) relentless commitment. I am sure, going ahead, Meghalaya will emerge as the top eco-tourism destination not only in India but the world,” he added.
In keeping with the vision of developing world-class tourism infrastructure, the Conrad Sangma-led government has earmarked Rs 16,00 crore of investment to boost tourism, according to a statement.
The picturesque Mawlynnong village has been consistently rated as one of the top eco-tourism destinations in the country, besides the tag of being the cleanest village in all of Asia.
In 2015, the central government had recognised Mawlynnong as a role model village for the entire country to emulate.