DOCSLIB.ORG

Asia's Cleanest Village and God's Own Garden

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Asia's Cleanest Village and God's Own Garden A quarterly newsletter on water and sanitation in India Vol 1 Issue 3 Asia’s Cleanest Village and God’s Own Garden Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is a model that showcases how collective effort can help a village to position itself on the tourism map Clean and green village awlynnong is located about Just before reaching the village, M90 km from the capital city of along the slope of the hill, Shillong in the East Khasi Hill district of Meghalaya. The village is not only PHED, Meghalaya, has Water flows from the source through clean and green but also a model of installed a water treatment a pipe to a sedimentation tank of 2.5 m sustainable environmental sanitation plant for ensuring safe drinking length, 1.2 m breadth and 1.5 m height. and drinking water. water, with a 24x7 zero energy From the sedimentation tank, after an Just before reaching the village, initial settling of impurities, water flows along the slope of the hill, PHED, water supply system to a slow sand filter tank of 4 m length Meghalaya, has installed a water and 2.5 m breadth. Through layers of treatment plant for ensuring safe stream, which is about 5.50 km from drinking water, with a 24x7 zero the village. The raw water is collected energy water supply system. In order by constructing an RCC weir across to ensure the supply of safe and potable the stream and then conveyed through Contents water supply to the habitations of a gravity main of 65 mm diameter GI Mawlynnong, a gravity-enabled water pipe for a distance of 5,570 m up to supply scheme was conceived by the treatment plant, installed in close tapping water from the Wahniriang proximity of the village. 4 CAMPAIGN: Success in Raichur, Karnataka SPOTLIGHT: ODF Status Achieved in Mandi Gram Panchayats 6 7 INNOVATION: Punjab Villages go for 24x7 Metered Water Supply INNOVATION: Strategy for Achieving Open Defecation Free Villages in Jharkhand 13 The tree house provides a view of the beautiful village 1 The onus to keep the village clean lies with every person consciousness of cleanliness among residing here. Locals cleaning roads, picking up leaves and villagers. Cleanliness is an age-old tradition and a way of life for them. A throwing garbage in the bin is a common sight. Bamboo waste bin made up of bamboo is kept garbage bins adorn every nook and corner of the village in front of houses for dropping waste. The vegetable waste is dumped in a pit sand and pebbles, water gets treated The village has 80 households, out of in each household for the production of and flows to the reservoir of 2 m length, which 29 HHs are below poverty line compost. For cleaning village roads and 2 m breadth and 1.7 m height to store (BPL) and the rest are above poverty for the collection of waste from dustbins 4,000 liters. From the reservoir water line (APL). Out of the total BPL HHs, from households, two men and five is supplied 24x7 to the village along 20 were provided an incentive of `1,500 women are engaged. A male cleaner is a natural hilly slope by gravitational and the rest had their own toilets. paid `200 per day and a female cleaner force, without consuming electricity, In 2007, an amount of `30,000 was is paid `120 per day. through 22 standposts, totally free of allocated for 20 HHs. For Mawlynnong cost. At the entry point of the village, a CNI UP schools, two units were tank of 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 m of 2,000 liters provided in 2009 at the cost of `40,000. is erected for the storage and supply For the Anganwadi Center, `5,000 was of an equitable amount of drinking allotted for a single-unit toilet. In 2010, water to all corners of the village. An the village received the Nirmal Gram amount of `43 lakh was sanctioned for Puraskar (NGP) award. The award the single village scheme with a design money of `50,000 was utilized for the of 40 lpcd. However, 70 lpcd is being various development initiatives of provided, as informed by the SDO. the village. Though household (HH) supply has The onus to keep the village clean not been provided, households draw a lies with every person residing here. line from standposts and pipes. PHED Locals cleaning roads, picking up has provided taps in the standposts, leaves and throwing garbage in the bin but the villagers do not have taps, is a common sight. Bamboo garbage thereby wasting water. This requires an bins adorn every nook and corner awareness generation campaign. of the village, which indicates the Incentives are provided to households without toilets 2 Cleanliness is an age-old tradition and a way of life for the villagers The village presently has two LPs A nominal fee of `20 is charged per (Nursery to Class IV), one Upper person for climbing the tree house. Primary (Class V to Class VIII) and Public toilets have been constructed one Anganwadi Center and all have for visitors, so that the environment is durable, clean toilets and drinking kept clean. The village also has a lodge water with tanks. for those who want to enjoy a stay in Since the receipt of the ‘Asia the village and trek around or conduct Cleanest Village Award’, tourists visit research activities. the village regularly. The villagers have The Soil Conservation Department fabricated two tree houses, on the top has constructed a check dam over a of the trees, with eco-friendly materials stream, which facilitates the villagers such as bamboo. This facilitates a to wash clothes and this can also be magnificent bird’s-eye view of the used for other domestic chores. beautiful and clean village and provides Just beside the village at Riwai, the a panoramic view of Bangladesh live root bridge of rubber (Jienkieng villages, which are a few miles away. JRI) over the river Wah Thyllong is an added attraction of this area. Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan is in progress in this Since the receipt of the ‘Asia Cleanest Village Award’, tourists village of 86 households with funding visit the village regularly. The villagers have fabricated two tree for twin pit durable toilets for 30 HHs. houses, on the top of the trees, with eco-friendly materials such Mawlynnong is a model to showcase as bamboo. This facilitates a magnificent bird’s-eye view of the how collective effort can elevate a beautiful and clean village and provides a panoramic view of village to position itself on the tourism Bangladesh villages, which are a few miles away. A nominal fee map by promoting eco-tourism. is charged for climbing the tree house. Public toilets have been Report: Dr. Tapan Kumar Das constructed for visitors, so that the environment is kept clean E-mail: [email protected] 3 Campaign l Reduces incidences of disease and worm infections: If school sanitation and hygiene facilities are School Sanitation and absent, or are badly maintained and used, schools can become a Hygiene Education Program health hazard. l Promotes environmental cleanliness: The presence and the for Child Health and proper use of facilities will prevent the pollution of the environment and limit health hazards for the community at Better Environment large. l Implements children’s rights: Success in Raichur, Karnataka Children have the right to be healthy and happy. Being clean, healthy and having clean water and proper sanitation facilities contribute to a chool Sanitation and Hygiene Benefits happy childhood. SEducation, popularly known l Promotes effective learning: as SSHE, is a comprehensive and Children perform better when they Objectives focused program intervention to function in a hygienic as well as The SSHE component has the following promote children’s right for a healthy clean environment. objectives being implemented in Raichur and clean environment, and to l Increases enrolment of girls: district: improve the health and hygiene status The lack of private sanitary facilities l To provide water and sanitation among children and the community. for girls can discourage parents facilities in the schools so that children SSHE offers several benefits to from sending girls to school and can use the facilities from an early age children, the community, and society contributes to the dropout rate of and they can thus also develop the at large. girls, particularly at puberty. hygienic habit of using such facilities. SSHE offers several benefits to children, the community, and society at large 4 Proper sanitation facilities contribute to a happy childhood l To promote the usage of toilets/ The Actors and Their Roles l Unhealthy and dirty classrooms and urinals among school students, hand The SSHE program should relate, and school compounds. washing at the right time (before be relevant, to all key groups in the l Children with poor hand washing and after eating, and after using community. When working with local habits and practices. the toilet), and sharing of tasks— groups in communities, it is of course collecting water and cleaning toilets— easiest to begin with those who are Conclusion/Finding/Intervention by boys and girls equally. already involved and are the strongest l Maintenance of water pumps l To promote behavioral change and then expand. This means that and toilets from SDMCs with the by providing hygiene education in in different communities somewhat intervention of the RSSD team. school and linking it to the home different groups may be initially l Cleanliness of sanitation facilities. and community. involved in the program. l About toilets and urinals: children’s l To develop a system within the assessment about convenience and school so that the facilities once The Vision: Main Actors Involved easy use of facilities.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Syllabus Analysis
    GEOGRAPHY (Syllabus Analysis) DIGMANI EDUCATIONS A-18, Top Floor, Young Chamber Behind, Batra Cinema, Dr. Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi-110009 Mob : 9891290953, 931195007/08/09 ALOK RANJAN’S IAS DIGMANI EDUCATIONS Previous Year Questionaire Paper- I Explain the scientifically sound methods of 1.Geomorphology : Factors controlling bathymetry and give an account of the bottom landform development; endogenetic and exogenetic topography of the Atlantic Ocean. (30M) forces; Origin and evolution of the earth’s crust; Fundamentals of geomagnetism; Physical conditions of 2009 Highlight the geomorphic features essentially the earth’s Interior; Geosynclines; Continental drift; found in topographies under the second cycle Isostasy; Plate tectonics; Recent views on mountain of erosion.(20M) building; Vulcanicity; Earthquakes and Tsunamis; Discuss views on slope development provided Concepts of geomorphic cycles and Landscape by L.C.King.(20M) development; Denudation chronology, Channel 2008 Critically examine the concept of Geomorphic morphology; Erosion surfaces; Slope development; Cycle and discuss the view of W.M. Davis and Applied Geomorphology : Geohydrology, economic W. Penck. geology and environment. 2007 Define the concept of isostasy and discuss the Long Questions postulations of Airy and Pratt. 2018 Evaluate how far Kober’s geosynclinal theory 2006 Critically evaluate the continental drift explains the mountain building process. hypothesis of A. Wegener. 2017 “The knowledge of slope analysis has limited 2005 “Structure is a dominant control factor in the field application in the slope management.” evolution of landform.” Discuss with suitable Explain. examples. 2017 “The knowledge of slope analysis has limited 2004 Describe the landforms which are products of endogenetic forces. field application in the slope management.” Explain.
    [Show full text]
  • Living (Planet) Versus Dead (Capital)
    Living (planet) versus dead (capital) Sonal Jain Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung www.in.boell.org Abstract After five centuries of global capitalist expansion, we are in the midst of the largest mass extinction of species in the last 65 million years; we are confronted by the climate crisis and the mass acidification of the oceans. The Anthropocene discourse posits humans as a geographical force, measured by significant changes humanity has had on the biosphere. Many, however, counter this arguing that it is not human impact but global capital that is responsible for the climate crisis. Caught in our collective addiction to consumption, growth, progress and infrastructure development based on a flawed economic model, we need a radical change in our way of being. In stark contrast to the techno-utopia of our post- industrial societies, we have amidst us in the present day and age many communities, people and cultures who see themselves as being subject to nature, rather than in control of it; their worldviews and knowledge systems are completely opposite to the Western civilisation, global capitalism and the modern education system. The living root bridges and trees in the Indian state of Meghalaya, firmly enmeshed within the culture and identity of the people who create them, are perfect examples of living in tune with nature rather than controlling it. Author's profile Sonal Jain is the co-founder of Desire Machine Collective (2004) and project Periferry. She works at the intersection of art, ecology, technology and activism. Her practice spans film, video, photography, digital media, public intervention, curation and writing.
    [Show full text]
  • The Abode of Clouds
    THE ABODE OF CLOUDS Happy Pine vegetation, snow clad peaks, waterfalls, mysterious caves and a unique tribal culture Travellers MEGHALAYA (7th Sep - 12th Sep) MEGHALAYA (7th Sep - 12th Sep) A visit to Meghalaya is unlike anywhere else in India because it gives you a multitude of experiences within a very short span of time. So, if you're planning to head to the beautiful hill state anytime soon, here's a well-planned itinerary to kick your Separating the Assam valley from the neighbouring state of Bangladesh, Meghalaya - also known as the abode of clouds - is worth visiting for several reasons. This beautiful mountain state with its pine vegetation and snow clad peaks is home to some of the most fascinating waterfalls, mysterious caves, unusual flora and fauna, and a unique tribal culture. It also boasts of having two of the wettest places on earth within its territorial boundaries - Cherrapunji and Mawsynram. 02 www.Jugni.co.in *Reaching time to Guwahati is by 11:30 am, group will start at 12:00pm Relax and explore the town Fly to Guwahati and then drive to Shillong, which is about 132 km (4 hours) from there. Book a morning DAY 1 �light so you can start exploring Shillong on the first day itself. Once you reach the Meghalayan capital of Shillong, take a couple of hours to rest and freshen up and then head to the Polo Grounds. Spend an GUWAHATI - SHILLONG a�ternoon there witnessing teer, a daily archery contest. Follow this up with a walk around the Bara Bazar, Shillong's main market, in the evening.
    [Show full text]
  • Live at the Border the Dawki-Tamabil Border and Mawlynnong Village: India-Bangladesh
    Live at the Border The Dawki-Tamabil border and Mawlynnong Village: India-Bangladesh The rolling Khasi Hills - between the floodplains of Assam and Bengal - were described by the British as “the Scotland of the East,” and provided the natural connection for people between these two plains until the British-ruled Indian subcontinent was partitioned into India and East and West Pakistan in 1947. It was an important point of commerce between Assam and Bengal and the Dawki Bridge, built by the British over the Umngot River in 1932, connects the Khasi-Jaintia Hills and South Assam, in present day Northeast India, with Sylhet district of present day Bangladesh. Today, on the Indian side of the border is Dawki town in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya - 80 kms from the state capital of Shillong - and on the Bangladesh side is the border town of Tamabil - 55 kms from the provincial headquarters of Sylhet, Bangladesh. The beautiful and verdant Khasi Hills today sit on a maze of limestone mines and coal mines, frequented by diesel fuming trucks ferrying the coal and limestone out of the place, and a huge ugly cement factory. The factory and the mining have obliterated many of the Khasi monoliths which are the symbol of the Khasi animist belief-system. There has been a huge environmental impact of such coal and limestone mining in Meghalaya, which forms a substantial part of the border trade at the Dawki-Tamabil crossing. The road leading to Dawki, away from the maddening traffic of Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is one of the most beautiful hill roads in this part of the world, and is busy with local taxis, private cars and buses ferrying tourists.
    [Show full text]
  • Motivational Factors for Community Participationin the Transformation of Mawlynnong, the Cleanest Village in Asia: a Case Study
    © 2018 JETIR August 2018, Volume 5, Issue 8 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162) MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS FOR COMMUNITY PARTICIPATIONIN THE TRANSFORMATION OF MAWLYNNONG, THE CLEANEST VILLAGE IN ASIA: A CASE STUDY Mr. Baiartis Lyngdoh Peinlang, PhD Scholar in the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya Abstract: The purpose of the study is to examine the initial stimulating factors as well as the factors influencing persistency of community participation in the ‘clean and green’ initiative of Mawlynnong village, a village well-known for community collective efforts in preserving and promoting cleanliness and greenery, strict cultural adherence and nature-based tourism entity. The study was framed and conducted based on a number of firm theories. Interview schedule was used as a primary tool of data collection accompanied by observation method and percentage method was used to analyse the data. The findings in the study will contribute significantly towards understanding incentives of sustainable community participation in community development initiatives. Introduction: Mawlynnong is a small village in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya with a distance of around 90 Kms from the capital city of Shillong. The village comprised of 77 households and a total of 414 population (2011 Census), is well placed in the tourism map due to its tranquillity, strict cultural adherence and collectiveeffort of the local folks to keep the village clean and green.The village was conferred the title of ‘Cleanest village in India’ in 2003 and the ‘Cleanest village in Asia’ in 2005 by the Discover Magazine. Since the time the title was conferred, the village became one of the popular nature-based tourist spots in the state of Meghalaya.
    [Show full text]
  • Cherrapunjee, Mawlynnong and Dawki
    5 Days and 4 Nights: Cherrapunjee, Mawlynnong and Dawki Day 01: Arrival at Guwahati and head to Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya (Guwahati – Cherrapunjee:148 km) Highlights: Cherrapunjee, also known as Sohra, is a high-altitude town in the northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. It is known for its living root bridges, made from rubber trees and waterfalls that plunge from forested cliff tops. It is also known for its breathtakingly beautiful and serene landscapes. Itinerary: ▪ Upon arrival your vehicle will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you directly to your destination. ▪ You can stop on the way at Nongpoh for coffee and loo break. ▪ You can stop at Umiam Lake to take some pictures of the view and relax for a while. ▪ Check in to your residence on arrival ▪ Spend the rest of the day at leisure. ▪ Dinner at your residence. Day 02: Trek to Double Decker Bridge, Cherrapunjee (Cherrapunjee – Double Decker Bridge:21 km) Highlights: Use the day to explore the famous Double Decker Bridge which is an innovative way of using nature’s abundance for connectivity. The bridges are man made by weaving in the aerial roots of rubber trees around a betel tree trunk placed across a stream. The roots kept growing out and entwining the trunk and the bridge is elongated to the desired place taking about 10-15 years to complete. Itinerary: ▪ Have an early breakfast at your residence ▪ Start your trek upon arrival. ▪ Meet your guide at the start point ▪ Enjoy the serene beauty at the bridge ▪ If you’re not too tired, you can trek up to Rainbow Falls ▪ Have some tea and noodles at the local shop ▪ Head back to the start point at the time advised by your guide ▪ Your car will be waiting for you to take you back to your residence Day 03: Explore Cherrapunjee, East Khasi Hills (Cherrapunjee – Mawlynnong:81 km) Highlights: Engage yourself in exploring all the destinations Cherrapunjee has to offer.
    [Show full text]
  • Sustainable Design and Architecture Living Root Tree Bridges by Paul Anthony IDC, IIT Bombay
    D’source 1 Digital Learning Environment for Design - www.dsource.in Design Resource Sustainable Design and Architecture Living Root Tree Bridges by Paul Anthony IDC, IIT Bombay Source: http://www.dsource.in/resource/sustainable-de- sign-and-architecture 1. Introduction 2. Location 3. Terrain 4. Fauna 5. The Tree 6. War-Khasis 7. Architecture 8. Contemporary Bridges 9. Conclusion 10. Links/References 11. Contact Details D’source 2 Digital Learning Environment for Design - www.dsource.in Design Resource Introduction Sustainable Design and Shillong city lies in the centre of the plateau structure in the Northeastern state of Meghalaya in India. The city is Architecture surrounded by a set of three hills, which as per the indigenous Khasi people is known as, LumSohpetbneng (Navel Living Root Tree Bridges of the Earth), Lum Diengiei (Mount of the merciful tree) and LumShillong (Mount of Shillong, a deity). The region by is known to possess many scenic elements like fast moving rivers and streams, naturally formed limestone caves, Paul Anthony natural and artificial lakes. One of the major tourist attractions however, belong to villages in Sohra (Cherrapun- IDC, IIT Bombay ji) and Mawlynnong viz. the living root-tree bridges. This is a documentation of the bridges in Nongriat which is a small village located in Shella Bholaganj of East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya with total 31* families residing. *Census 2011.co.in, (2015). Nongriat Village Population - Shella Bholaganj - East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Ref.: http://www.census2011.co.in/data/village/278802-nongriat-meghalaya.html Source: http://www.dsource.in/resource/sustainable-de- sign-and-architecture/introduction 1.
    [Show full text]
  • District Census Handbook, East Khasi Hills, Part XIII a & B, Series-14
    CENSUS OF INDIA 1981 SERIES 1'4. MEGHALAYA PARTS XIII A & B DISTRICT CENSUS HANDBOOK VILLAGE & TOWN DIRECTORY VILLAGE & TOWNWISE PRIMARY CENSUS ABSTRACT EAST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT J. TAYENG OF THE INDIAN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE. Director of Cenius Operations MEGHALAYA CONTENTS Pa~. FOREWORD I-II PREFACE I-IV MAPS ... Important Statistics Census Concepts ... I-!' History of the District and the District Census Handbooks 1-7 Major Social and Cultural Events of East Khasi Hiils Distr~ct ,-j Brief Description of Places of Religious, Historical Or Archaeological Importance 1. Places of Tourist ~nterest ••. 11-12 ~p.aly.sis of Tables 13 Fly leaf to Table-l 15 Table-l Population, Number of villages and Towns, 198.1, 16 .Fly leaf to Table-2 17 Table-2 Decadal change in distribution of Population "' .. 18 ;'able-3 Dis1ribution of Villages by Popul~tjon It Table-4 Distribution of villages by density 20 Table-5 Proportion of Scheduled Castes Populatibn to total Population in the villages 21 Table-6 Proportion of ~~p.eduled Tribes Population-to total PopUlation in the villages !I .Table-7 Proportion of Scheduled Caste~j'Tribes Population in Towns J \~3 TabJe- 8 Literacy Rates ·by Population'Ranges by villages ~4 'Table-9 Literacy Rate~ for Towns !5 Fly leaf to Table-IO 26 Tabie-IO Percentage of literate workers, non-workers, scheduled castes/tribes PopUla­ 21-29 tion in the district. Fly leaf to Table-ll ... J Table-ll Distribution of villages according to the_,av<\ilability of different ame?,ities Table -12 Prop'Qrtion of rural Population served by different amenities Table-13 Distribution of villages not having certain amenities, arranged by distance ranges from places wJ:ere tbese are available.
    [Show full text]
  • Question-Paper-Analysis-2019.Pdf
    Geography QUESTION PAPER ANALYSIS 1991 - 2019 DIRECTION 1 Geo. 01 - 19 Nothing succeeds like success, but it asks for changes, encountering uncharted, unknown which is always a challenge. To succeed in life and achieve results you must understand and master three mighty forces of DESIRE, BELIEF AND EXPECTA- TIONS. A within powerful influential and sufficiently indepen- dent person can only become successful. This is also the only path to individual satisfaction in life. The loftiest problem faced by us today is lack of vision, lack of direction. Problems are part of life and troubles the essence of success. In his own time, in his own place, in what he really is and in the stage he has reached good or bad, every human being is specific element within the whole of the manifest divine being. So instead of being afraid of difficulties, try to understand the relevance of your suffering. Adversity always presents opportunities for introspection. Between the conception And the creation Between the emotion And the response Falls the shadow. The requirement of personal freedom incorporates the prerequi- site of firstly building own educational skills, knowledge is a tangible asset and most important tool for the work to be done. More updated knowledge you possess more free you become. Secondly developing passion for personal responsibility for the task. Be active! Take responsibilities! Work for the things you believe in. If you do not, you are surrendering your fate to others. DIRECTION 2 Geo. 01 - 19 “When the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, Athens ceased to be free and was never free again” (Historical Edith Hamilton on ancient Greece) The fact is that there is a great deal that most of us can to increase our freedom.
    [Show full text]
  • Rural Tourism and Sustainability: an Explorative Study in Garo Hills of Meghalaya
    114 Avahan: A Journal on Hospitality and Tourism Volume 4 Issue 1 Rural Tourism and Sustainability: An Explorative Study in Garo Hills of Meghalaya Sharad Kumar Kulshreshtha*, Ashok Kumar** Abstract study the rural tourism and sustainability, dimensions of rural tourism in Meghalaya, such as rural sustainability, rural sustainable tourism, Rural tourism is a pure form of rural settings multiple rural phenomenon, rural entrepreneurship, role of local governance, capacity building like wide and lush green agricultural land, orchids, people seem to programme by tourism departments, community participation be busy in routine activities, colourful muddy houses, wall paintings, towards rural tourism promotion, with special reference to IBDLP herds of cattle, chaupal is centre and meeting point of rural societies initiative to develop Chandigre Rural Tourism Project of Garo Hills where they share and exchange useful information about all most District of Meghalaya. every day. It is a develop to attract urban settlers to showcasing the real hardship of rural life, leisure, creative, ethnic, cultural, fair Keywords: Rural Tourism and Sustainability, & festivals, local craftsmanship with changing seasons of the rural Entrepreneurship, IBDLP area. During their visit to rural site, the local rural communities act as entrepreneurs to facilitate all basis needs& comforts to tourists in order to generate extra income. These rural sites have been emerged as an important rural tourist destination which is full culture Introduction and tradition, arts and crafts, dances and music, events and delicious Rural tourism has been recognized as an important cuisines etc. The model of rural tourism has design to support local opportunity for employment and income generation, economy to make alternate livelihood for communities and various stake holders and create image through branding rural destination.
    [Show full text]
  • How Did You Hear About Mawlynnong? After I Finished An
    How did you hear about Mawlynnong? After I finished an artist-in-residency program in Goa, I decided to travel to Meghalaya to do a photo project on the Khasi. I stayed in Shillong for one week and decided for myself that it would probably easier to get in close contact with people in a small village. Then I read about Mawlynnong and thought it could be worth to see that place. How does one get there? From Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, it is very easy to get there. I decided for the cheapest opportunity: a shared sumo. Because there is no railway in Meghalaya and the roads are in bad condition, all the locals travel by those overpacked, yellow Jeeps. In Shillong, there is one big sumo stand at the market and you can find sumos to nearly every village in Meghalaya there. The ride to Mawlynnong usually takes three hours with one short stop in Pynursla. Where did you stay while you were there? I lived in Mawlynnong for six months and after a half year break back home, again for three months to finish the series. I was lucky and was able to stay both times with a Khasi family. Nowadays, several families in Mawlynnong have guesthouses or offer homestays for travelers. It was a great experience! Is Mawlynnong the only matrilineal village in India? In India, there are two indigenous tribes that are matrilineal, and one of them are the Khasi. Most of the Khasi live in the state of Meghalaya and they count 1.2 million people in total.
    [Show full text]
  • Living Root Bridge As a Biome
    Making the Planet more Livable SUSCON 5, 2016 5th Annual International Conference on Sustainability, IIM Shillong Title: Revitalizing traditional knowledge: Living Root Bridge as a Biome Contact Author: Sanjeev Shankar1 Email: [email protected] Affiliations: 1 Studio Sanjeev Shankar, Bangalore, INDIA Address: 4/4 Cooke Town, Wheelers Road Extension Cross, St Thomas PO, Bangalore-560084 Contact no.: +91 9999112321 * This paper was originally written for 5th Annual international Conference on Sustainability at Indian Institute of Management Shillong in 2016. The paper was selected. However it is currently unpublished, as the author could not attend the conference. 1 Making the Planet more Livable SUSCON 5, 2016 5th Annual International Conference on Sustainability, IIM Shillong Title: Revitalizing traditional knowledge: Living Root Bridge as a Biome Keywords: Living root bridges, khasi, traditional knowledge, livelihood, rural connectivity, collaborative approaches, local enterprise, technology, natural economy, bio trade, ecopreneurship, ethno botany, orchids, food, medicine, mushrooms Abstract: Living root bridges are Ficus elastica1 based bridges within dense tropical rainforests of Meghalaya in North East India. Grown by indigenous Khasi2 tribes, these bridges endure extreme environmental conditions and last for several centuries with positive remedial impact on the environment. With 1) minimal cost, 2) community based participatory growth process, 3) high robustness3, 4) support to other biota, and 5) keystone4 role of Ficus specie, living root bridges exemplify a unique relationship between human beings and nature. These bridges offer an extraordinary opportunity to apply traditional living plant based knowledge for sustainable community-based development and entrepreneurial solutions. Despite these attributes, living root bridges are being replaced by inappropriate solutions owing to the nexus of population explosion, poverty and environmental degradation.
    [Show full text]