Meghalaya returns part of Hima Mawphlang land

SHILLONG, Dec 2 ? Meghalaya Community and Rural Development Minister, Maysalin War handed over the 1.33 acre of land for the establishment of an office for the traditional durbar of Hima Mawphlang and protection of the monoliths, which are a rare legacy inherited by Hynniewtrep community about 25 kms from here, reports PTI. Way back in 1964, the durbar of Hima Mawphlang had gifted to the then Assam Government 15 acre of the land in which the Mawphlang block of was established. Now on the request of the traditional institution, the State government returned part of the land (1.33 acre) to them, the community and rural development (card) director, WL Lyngdoh said. War asked the traditional durbar institution and villagers to preserve the monoliths which have formed part and parcell of the Hynniewtre culture. She also praised them for the preservation of the rare Mawphlang sacred groves in the area, where numerous varieties of orchids and medicinal plants grow. Exhorting them to improve the environment so that they might not face water problem in future, War said satellite imagery has shown that certain areas in Meghalaya because of forest depletion could face water problem. Lyngdoh said the department moved for sanction of Rs 30 lakh for repairing the dilapidiated office and quarters of the Mawphlang block and assured them that the department would extend financial support for fencing the office of the Hima so that the monoliths and the beauty of the area could be protected.