By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 10: Governor CH Vijayashankar has cautioned against the promotion of monoculture, warning that it could lead to serious ecological imbalances.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the International Conference on Sustainable Development: Theory, Practice, Approach and Policy, held at Raj Bhavan, the Governor stressed that a “clear and loud message” must be conveyed globally on the environmental dangers posed by monoculture.
Recalling his visit to Lum Sohpetbneng on Sunday to attend the erection of 40 commemorative monoliths marking the 125th anniversary of the Seng Khasi Kmie, Vijayashankar noted that nearly 90% of the Sacred Hills area is now covered by pine trees.
While clarifying that he is not opposed to pine trees, the Governor expressed concern that the species is not native to the region. “It pains me to see this because these trees do not belong to this land,” he said.
He said that he had suggested to Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and other ministers present at the event to restore the original vegetation of the hill. “We should look back 100, 200, or even 300 years to identify what trees or plant species existed here and work to bring them back,” he urged.
Meanwhile, the Governor said that Meghalaya is a natural and cultural repository of sustainable practices, where people have continued to live in harmony with nature for generations.
He noted that the traditional communities of Meghalaya practice organic, low-impact farming and respect nature as part of their socio-cultural ethos.
Vijayashankar highlighted that this spirit of sustainability is deeply rooted in India’s ancient civilizational values, which believe in a balance between material growth and ecological responsibility.
The Governor also expressed concern that in the modern industrial era, development patterns in many parts of the world have become highly extractive, resulting in the loss of natural resources, environmental degradation and widening socio-economic inequalities.
Referring to the present ecological crisis, Vijayashankar mentioned that monoculture plantation patterns cause serious long-term environmental imbalance, destroy natural nutrient cycles, and weaken the biodiversity linkages of fragile ecosystems. He emphasised that native species must always be prioritised, with due care for endangered species and special focus on medicinal plants, as they protect the ecosystem, conserve genetic diversity and enhance natural resilience.
He urged researchers, academicians, students, and stakeholders at the conference to adopt a pragmatic, evidence-based, and practical approach in their research and policy recommendations so that sustainable solutions can be developed that are relevant to real local ecosystems and support the country’s long-term development pathway.
Highlighting the region’s vulnerability to climate disturbances, the Governor referred to the visible impact of climate change in Mawsynram – the world’s highest rainfall region, where rainfall patterns, seasonal distribution and climatic rhythms have begun to show changes.
The Governor stressed that the increasing frequency of abnormal rainfall, shifts in monsoon behaviour, erosion and habitat loss are clear signs that climate change is already affecting the Northeast. He called upon scholars to document these changes scientifically and build research-based frameworks for policymakers to safeguard the region’s future.
He further congratulated NEHU and all partner institutions for choosing Meghalaya as the venue for this important global academic dialogue on sustainability. He expressed confidence that the conference would produce valuable recommendations that would support India’s efforts towards sustainable development, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and help strengthen the nation’s resolve to ensure ecological balance, inclusive growth and long-term environmental security.
Pro-Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University, Prof. Sumarbin Umdor, presided over the session.
The inaugural session was followed by the keynote address delivered by A.C. Mohapatra, retired professor of NEHU’s Department of Geography. He provided deep insights into global, national, and regional perspectives on sustainable development and emphasised India’s ongoing challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
He called for collective commitment and action towards combating environmental degradation, terming it the “need of the hour.”
A panel discussion was also convened at Raj Bhavan featuring eminent scholars, including Bhagirathi Panda, President of the Conference and Honorary Director of ICSSR-NERC; Lakhwinder Singh, President of PathS; and Indraneel Bhowmik, Professor, Department of Economics, Tripura University.
The panel deliberated on aligning regional development priorities with national and global SDG frameworks, strengthening research-policy linkages, and promoting knowledge-driven, inclusive growth in Northeast India, particularly through sectors like the knowledge economy and sustainable tourism.
The technical sessions of Day 1 formed the core academic component of the conference and were held in hybrid mode at ICSSR-NERC, NEHU.
Over 50 research papers were presented by scholars and practitioners from diverse disciplines, addressing themes such as climate change, livelihoods, economic growth, digital transformation, public policy, education, and governance.
The sessions fostered interdisciplinary discussions, emphasising evidence-based policymaking, cross-sectoral collaboration, and the importance of regional perspectives in sustainable development research.
The first day concluded with a cultural programme at the Multi-Use Convention Hall, NEHU, featuring traditional performances that celebrated the unity, diversity, and rich cultural heritage of the tribes and indigenous communities of Northeast India.
The conference continues on November 11 with additional technical sessions and plenary discussions designed to generate actionable insights for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The Society for Pathways to Sustainability (PathS) has organised the conference with the Department of Economics, NEHU, in association with the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development, Guwahati, and the Indian Council for Social Science Research–North Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong, with the Association of Asia Scholars as the academic partner. NEEPCO sponsored the event.
