Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the Chitmang Chaiwat Nature-Based Glamping Project on June 11, marking a new step in the state’s efforts to advance sustainable tourism and local economic development.
The glamping site, located in Badri Rongdong in the South Garo Hills district, is designed to balance environmental restoration with tourism infrastructure and community participation.
The project was developed through a collaboration involving the state’s Soil Conservation Department, local communities, and elected officials.
During the inauguration, Sangma acknowledged the role of South Garo Hills MLA and Minister Marcuise N. Marak, who suggested naming the initiative in honor of the late Purno Agitok Sangma.
“This project is a testament to our vision of showcasing Meghalaya’s tourism potential to the nation while maintaining a balance between environmental conservation and development,” Sangma told Northeast News.
The project has revitalized 21.48 hectares of degraded land, converting it into a tourism zone that integrates ecological rehabilitation, water conservation, and accommodations.
The Tourist Cabin Complex includes traditional Garo-style cabins and PVC dome tents, incorporating sustainable design features that highlight local heritage and minimize environmental impact.
By linking tourism with land restoration and water security, the Chitmang Chaiwat project aims to generate employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy.
For outdoor hospitality business owners, this initiative may serve as a reference point for community-driven models that integrate conservation with accommodation offerings.
At the ceremony, Sangma also announced additional tourism and development plans in the region. These include new infrastructure at Wari Chora in South Garo Hills, as well as enhancements to the Siju Cave and Mandalgre areas in East Garo Hills.
The chief minister further stated that a foundation-laying ceremony for a new secretariat in Tura is scheduled for June 19, with architectural plans made available to the public.
The event was attended by several key political leaders, including Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, Ministers Marcuise Marak, Rakkam Sangma, and A.T. Mondal, and various members of the legislative assembly.
The officials collectively praised the project as an example of community-led eco-tourism development that aligns with Meghalaya’s broader sustainability goals.
For operators in the glamping and outdoor accommodation industry, the project demonstrates how destination design can reflect local culture, leverage degraded or underutilized land, and serve both ecological and economic purposes.
Public-private collaboration and long-term environmental considerations appear central to this model, offering lessons for site planning and government engagement in other regions.