By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 17: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday visited Wahlyngkhat under Pynursla sub-division to inspect the site for the upcoming Living Root Bridges Experience Centre and the Wahkhen Residential Music Retreat.
The Rs 70 crore twin projects are part of a larger vision to enhance eco-tourism and cultural immersion in the region.
The Living Root Bridges Experience Centre is being developed at a cost of Rs 30 crore under a Community Public Private Partnership model. It will showcase the remarkable indigenous engineering of the Khasi community where centuries-old rubber fig trees are trained to grow into sturdy, natural bridges.
Sangma highlighted that Wahlyngkhat was chosen for the centre due to its high density of living root bridges which are unique not only in structure but also in the way they symbolise a sustainable relationship between nature and local traditions.
“I have come to Wahlyngkhat in Pynursla to see the site for the Living Root Experience Centre and the upgrading of the trekking route leading to these bridges for a better experience for tourists and hikers,” he said during the visit.
To enhance the overall tourist experience, trekking circuits connecting the villages of Mawkyrnot, Rangthylliang and Mynrieng will be developed, along with necessary tourism infrastructure. These circuits will offer travellers a chance to explore the bridges while engaging with the local environment and communities.
In addition, a Rs 40 crore Wahkhen Residential Music Retreat will be developed as part of the cultural tourism initiative.
“We will also come up with the Wahkhen Residential Music Retreat to give a complete experience of our indigenous culture,” Sangma said.
The retreat will provide tourists with an opportunity to experience the rich musical and artistic traditions of the Khasi people.
The chief minister affirmed that these developments reflect the state government’s commitment to responsible tourism that benefits local communities while preserving natural and cultural heritage.
