Meghalaya is serene with rich biodiversity. It is truly an abode of cloud coming from the Bay of Bengal. Well, Cherrapunji (Sohra), Mawsynram- the wettest places on earth are located here.
Beautifully flowing waterfalls are all over. Meghalaya looks different in Monsoon and Winter. At the end of winter, most of the waterfalls were either dry or had less flow. However, the water accumulated below was crystal clear with blue-green water. The same water becomes muddy in Monsoon.
If you travel Cherrapunji from Shillong, you will be disheartened to see the huge environmental destruction. Mountains are being flattened taking out limestone from them. Yes, the same limestone is needed for making cement. The cement industry thrives on deposits of limestone from some environmentally rich areas like Meghalaya. The rampant construction work taking place all over the country requires cement. Where does it come from and at what cost?
Due to mining, the particulate matter in the air is at an alarming level. In a remote place like Cherrapunji, the air pollution level is high.
Moreover, stones needed for construction are also collected by destroying hills. They say the stones are also dispatched to Bangladesh illegally.
Well, destruction is easy, conservation needs efforts.
Meghalaya is divided into three regions. Khasi, Garo and Jaintia. Each region has unique terrain with different ecosystems. Most of the people are converted to Christianity. People generally like to keep their surroundings clean. Most of the villages organize cleanliness drives regularly.
Khasis - the largest ethnic community in Meghalaya is one of the last existing Matrilineal society in the world. The youngest daughter inherits ancestral property and it is her responsibility to look after her parents in old age. Husbands live in the mother-in-law’s house and the children take the mother’s surname. Women also work outside and household responsibilities are equally shared among family members.
Truly, Meghalaya is a unique state in India and special among seven sisters as well.
Do visit Meghalaya- the abode of clouds (before the destruction level goes to peak and everything is leveled)!
