Editor,
Through this column as a regular columnist, I wish to highlight to readers those who have not known much about East Jaintia Hills and its inner beauty beyond the coal mining areas. The district where I am based and involved with the village communities is a place that deserves more attention in ways far more than what consultants imagine or think sitting with their laptops in an office.
The potential and varied topography of the district is different and more importantly is the unique way of life found in the Pnar community here from weddings to social and religious affairs both the rich and poor come together and this is what makes it unique. Apart from this there are waterfalls, valleys and lush green forest treks including Asia’s longest caves that have been documented and explored. Our communities require not patch work sessions or freebies; they require holistic involvement, training and proper sensitisation on the benefits that would come from a long-term tourism policy which is necessary for the district to be at par with others and this has to be locally viable. The state government authorities need to look beyond Sohra or Mawlynnong when there are proactive people who will also gradually respond positively as future collaborators.
Dominic S. Wankhar
Chairman BRMC EJH
