Shillong, Nov 24: Following visuals circulating on social media showing hills being cut and mined in Markham Valley, Mawthadraishan MLA Shakliar Warjri has expressed concern and said such activities must be stopped to protect the area’s natural beauty.
Markham Valley in Eastern West Khasi Hills has recently become popular for its scenic landscape, often compared to the famed Dzukou Valley in Nagaland.
Environmental conservation group Green Tech Foundation has also raised alarm and urged citizens to unite to safeguard the valley, warning that the area is under threat.
Warjri said the developments were worrying. “Yes, it is very concerning. We have a lot of scope for tourism and the area has been gaining traction. We don’t want to see activities like hill cutting. Things have happened and I’ve spoken to the elders and they are working to ensure that none of this happens again,” he said.
Warjri added that several proposals have already been submitted to boost tourism in Eastern West Khasi Hills.
“In the last four to five months, the road was sanctioned and is now constructed all the way from Tieh Nongbah to Sohiong- Pariong. The Tourism Department has also sanctioned a road to Markham Valley. Many proposals have been submitted keeping in mind the potential of the area and a few have already been approved,” he said.
