Conrad treks along foothills of Nokrek

A CORRESPONDENT

Shillong, May 29: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Kongkal Sangma on Tuesday undertook a trek from Chandigre village in West Garo Hills to Daribokgre village on the foothills of Nokrek in East Garo Hills.

Conrad trekked about 9-km route to understand the potential of promoting the destination for the tourist.

Nokrek is an ideal destination for trekkers. It offers visitors an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the exotic animals and plant species, besides myriad species of birds.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh and Dadenggre SDO (Civil) Swapnil Tembe. West Garo Hills police chief Raghuvendra Kumar and other officials also accompanied him. During the trip, he interacted with villagers and motivated them to initiate conservation activities.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has directed the authorities to map the trekking route from the foothills of Nokrek and come up with plan to promote and market the destination to attract tourists.

He also suggested the villagers to take utmost care of the nature and the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve and ensure that visiting tourists do not engage in littering the place.

In order to make the area a plastic-free zone, Conrad has suggested that carrying of plastic bottles should be banned in the village and the locals should provide clean drinking water to the tourists.