800 saplings planted in Mawsynram

FROM A CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG, June 4: The residents of Mawhiang, East Khasi Hills district in collaboration with the North East Slow Food & Agro Biodiversity Society (NESFAS) joined hands to observe the World Environment Day. Globally celebrated on June 5, the occasion was observed on Saturday by planting around 800 saplings. The initiative was taken under the watchful eye of Dr Carl O Rangad, former Director of Horticulture, Meghalaya, and current vice-chairman, operations, NESFAS. Dr Rangad explained the importance of planting trees and the selection of the right sample of trees from the village itself. Dr AK Nongkynrih, Professor of Sociology in NEHU, spoke on the importance of conserving local forest resources. Out of the 800 saplings, 200 were contributed by Dr Nongkynrih and the state’s Forest and Environment Department contributed around 350. Located in the East Khasi Hills District under the Mawsynram block, Mawhiang is situated at about 45 kilometres from the capital city Shillong. The total population of the village is 886 with around 162 households. The community has been closely working with NESFAS and has been a part of the Indigenous Terra Madre 2015 that took place in November last year.