Meghalaya blessed by Mother Nature: President calls for preserving forests

SHILLONG, Jan 16: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday called for serious efforts to preserve forests like the Sacred Groves which are a biodiversity treasure trove.
She said Meghalaya is uniquely blessed by Mother Nature.
She was addressing a gathering at Mawphlang after virtually laying the foundation stones for Rural Tourism Accommodation in the villages of Kongthong, Mawlyngot and Kudengrim, Shillong Peak Ropeway and inaugurating the newly-upgraded Rongjeng Mangsang Adokgre Road and the Mairang Ranigodown Azra Road.
Referring to Mawphlang Sacred Grove, which is home to the most celebrated ‘law-kyntang’ or ancient sacred groves, Murmu said the forest, aged over 700 years, has attracted many visitors, tourists, and researchers from around the globe. They admire the wisdom of the forefathers who used this traditional concept of conserving nature, she said.
“We all should make serious efforts to preserve this kind of forest which is a treasure house of biodiversity,” the President stressed.
Stating that Meghalaya is making a determined effort to emerge as a model state and offering a balanced approach to modernity and tradition, she said with good FDI inflows, high exports and a dynamic demography, the state is emerging as a growth leader and offering an inspiring story.
She lauded the state government for making significant conservation efforts to ensure biodiversity is maintained. She said development projects will improve connectivity and enable the state to move ahead on the path of sustainable and inclusive development.
“Since time immemorial, tribal people have been the vanguard of environmental conservation based on indigenous knowledge, culture and religious beliefs. Tribal practices can be good case studies of how there can be a symbiotic relationship between human beings and nature,” Murmu said.
She said the people in Meghalaya believe ‘U Basa’ or goddess dwells among lush green forests. This concept of worshipping nature as a divine gift has played a significant role in conservation efforts, she added.
Stating that women have played a significant role in the success of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and value chain addition, she said she felt inspired to see that women are not just passive beneficiaries but active agents of change in Meghalaya.
The President highlighted their role in climate action efforts and said women are at the heart of conservation efforts. Women in tribal societies have been showing the way in protecting the environment and sharing their wisdom and skills to enhance adaptation and mitigation, she said.
“By increasing the participation of women in climate initiatives and decision-making processes, more can be done for effective climate action and biodiversity conservation,” Murmu said.
Asking people to ensure that the heritage is not lost, she called for documenting local practices for effective conservation and management.
“I am sure that by adopting a comprehensive and holistic approach of sustainable development and learning from our ancient wisdom, we can together address various challenges and preserve this beautiful planet with all its natural bounties for the future generation,” the President said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma reiterated that the government has set the ambitious target of making Meghalaya a $10 billion economy by 2028 and the tourism sector, being a job multiplier, will play a crucial role in achieving the target and creating sustainable livelihoods for the people.
Stating that Meghalaya is taking the lead in preserving its 76% forest cover and it will help combat climate change, he thanked the communities which are at the forefront of the effort to preserve and protect forests.
Sangma said Murmu’s two-day historic visit to the state has been truly inspiring and motivating not only for the athletes, youth, women SHGs but for all 38 lakh Meghalayans who are jubilant and proud of her achievement as being the first President from tribal communities.
Earlier in the day, Murmu was given a demonstration by the Kongthong whistlers during her visit to the Heritage Village. The history of the village was also explained to her.