"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Meghalaya

Wanderlust

Step Into Timelessness: Krem Chympe Awaits!

Ready to explore a place where time seems to stand still? Nestled in the lush landscapes of Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills lies Krem Chympe, India’s fifth-longest cave and one of the most spellbinding natural wonders in the world. With its surreal limestone formations, cascading waterfalls, and underground rivers, this stunning cave offers an unparalleled adventure into the heart of the Earth.The Thrill of the UnknownFor thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, Krem Chympe is more than a cave—it’s a living, breathing marvel of nature. Imagine embarking on a journey that demands crawling through narrow tunnels, wading through waist-deep waters, and swimming over 3.5 kilometers through pristine underground lakes. It’s raw, it’s wild, and it’s guaranteed to test your limits.Source: Google ImagesBut the rewards? They’re nothing short of magical. The limestone cliffs and sandstone formations create a natural labyrinth, while hidden chambers reveal untouched beauty. As you make your way through, colonies of bats and even rare cave-adapted fish remind you that this is a world where nature thrives in its most unspoiled form.The centerpiece of Krem Chympe is its breathtaking underground river. Flowing silently in the darkness, it has carved out massive galleries and pools over millions of years. This resurgent river eventually emerges to meet the outside world, creating one of the grandest and most dramatic entrances imaginable.Here, every drop of water tells a story—of acid rain carving through limestone, of time shaping the Earth, and of a natural wonder that is still largely unexplored.The Spectacle of Chympe WaterfallNo journey through Krem Chympe is complete without witnessing the enchanting Chympe waterfall. Picture this: a silvery curtain of milky-white water cascading from a limestone cliff, surrounded by jade-green ferns and hanging rocks. It’s like stepping into a fantasy world straight out of a storybook.The entrance to the waterfall is equally mesmerizing, with droplets of water glistening like jewels as they fall into an emerald pool below. It’s a moment that will leave you utterly awestruck and humbled by nature’s sheer brilliance.Source: Google ImagesThe Land of 1,200 CavesKrem Chympe is just one of over 1,200 caves in Meghalaya, a state often dubbed the “Caver’s Paradise.” The region’s unique combination of limestone deposits and heavy rainfall has created a treasure trove of underground wonders waiting to be explored.Many of these caves remain largely uncharted, making Meghalaya a dream destination for spelunkers and adventurers. From the Jaintia Hills to the Khasi and Garo Hills, each cave offers a unique glimpse into the region’s geological and cultural history.A Journey Millions of Years in the MakingWhat makes Krem Chympe truly extraordinary is its ancient origins. Formed over millions of years, this cave is a reflection of the slow but relentless power of nature. Every stalactite, every underground lake, and every winding passage tells a story of transformation and endurance.As you explore, it’s impossible not to feel a deep connection to the Earth and its timeless mysteries. Krem Chympe isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

27 Jan 2025
Wanderlust

The Whys and Hows

Inside the Wettest Place on Earth: Exploring the Mysteries of Mawsynram's Record-Breaking Rainfall and Resilient Community

Mawsynram, a village in the Indian state of Meghalaya, is known for receiving some of the highest levels of rainfall in the world. The village receives an average of over 11,000 millimeters of rain per year, making it the wettest place on earth.  The reason for Mawsynram's high levels of rainfall lies in its location and unique topography. The village is situated on a plateau in the Khasi Hills, surrounded by higher mountains that trap moisture from the Bay of Bengal. This results in a phenomenon known as orographic rainfall, where warm, moist air rises up along the mountains and cools, leading to heavy precipitation.  Another factor that contributes to Mawsynram's rainfall is the presence of the Meghalaya subtropical forests, which cover much of the Khasi Hills. The forests act as a natural sponge, absorbing and retaining moisture, and releasing it gradually over time.  Despite the challenges that come with living in such a wet environment, the people of Mawsynram have adapted to their surroundings and developed unique methods of farming and construction. They use bamboo and thatch to build their houses and cultivate crops that can withstand the heavy rainfall, such as ginger, turmeric, and betel leaf.  Mawsynram's unique climate and geography make it a fascinating destination for travelers and a testament to the resilience of human communities in the face of extreme weather conditions.

21 Jul 2023
The Whys and Hows

Good News

Meghalaya's Electrification of Railway Line is a Gamechanger for the Northeast

Meghalaya is buzzing with excitement as it celebrates a groundbreaking achievement! The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has electrified the tracks of the Dudhnai-Mendipathar railway line for the very first time, making headlines across the region. This 22.82 km stretch marks a significant milestone for the state, as officials are thrilled about the progress. According to Sabysaschi De, CPRO of NFR, Mendipathar is the sole railway station in Meghalaya that has been open since 2014. Trains pulled by electric locomotives can now operate directly from Mendipathar thanks to the electrification of this segment.  Since more passenger and freight trains will be able to go through these sections at maximum sectional speeds, this will raise the average speed and enhance punctuality. Moreover, freight and parcel trains from other states would be able to travel directly to Meghalaya, reducing travel time and increasing productivity. By shifting from fossil fuels to electricity, this electrification will not only curb pollution but also conserve precious foreign exchange. This electrification is a significant development for Meghalaya, heralding a new era of seamless traffic and connectivity in the Northeast. The electrification of the railway line has not gone unnoticed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a tweet, he expressed his delight, calling it wonderful news for Meghalaya and furthering connectivity in the Northeast. This development is an exciting step for Meghalaya and the region, as it promises better connectivity, efficiency, and a cleaner environment.

20 Mar 2023
Good News

The Spectacular Orchidarium of Shillong: A Tourist Hotspot

The orchidarium in 6th Mile Upper Shillong area has been a recent tourist attraction in the capital of Meghalaya, Shillong. This is due to the display of the orchid flower plants in a plethora of different hues, cultivated by 20 women entrepreneurs from the state of Meghalaya. Developed in 2019, the orchidarium is situated in an area of 600 meters in Polly House. It showcases various types of orchid plants including seed plants, cut flowers, and potted plants in both local and hybrid varieties.  The success of the orchidarium is largely due to the funding and assistance given by the Department of Biotechnology of the Central Government. This has enabled the 20 women cultivators from Shillong and East Khasi Hills district to become entrepreneurs of orchid plants. The orchidarium has recently been diversified with the cultivation of succulent and ornamental plants, as well as medicinal orchid plants.  Encouraged by the success of the orchidarium, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a public enterprise of the Department of Biotechnology, has started a larger project that will give opportunities to 100 more women entrepreneurs in the district of Ri-bhoi through orchid plants.  The success of the orchidarium despite the pandemic has enabled the sales of the orchid plants worth over Rs. 7 lakhs. This in turn has enabled the women entrepreneurs to gain financial freedom and economic stability.  This project is an example of how the implementation of the Central Government’s assistance and funding can help to empower local women entrepreneurs and help to bring positive economic change in the region. 

27 Jan 2023
Good News

Meghalaya Becomes the First State in India To Deliver Medicines Through Drones

It looks like an alien, an unmanned aerial vehicle, but Chesrang Momin heaves a sigh of relief. Earlier, he had to travel over 100 kilometers to fetch blood pressure medicines for his father. With the introduction of drones, delivery of healthcare items to the remote areas of Meghalaya has not only become easy but also saves time. The locals of Pedaldoba in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya were thrilled to see the drone come with medicines for the local primary health center (PHC) after a 40-minute sortie from Jengjal, 68 km away. The Jengjal Sub-divisional Hospital's drone station has made it possible to provide medical care even in the distant regions of the lush yet challenging Garo Hills. Due to floods, landslides, rough terrain, and poor road network infrastructure, the state's public health supply chain faced logistical challenges. As a result, it is extremely challenging to ensure that medical supplies get to the hard-to-reach health centers. The drone service, which is funded by the World Bank, is a collaborative project of the Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project and the startup Techeagle. Anshu Abhishek, a co-founder of Techeagle, asserted that this is Asia's first drone station dedicated solely to the delivery of healthcare systems.

6 Dec 2022
Good News

The Northeast to Gets Its First Honey Bee Development Centre

As demand for honey grows in international markets, apiculture, the care and management of bees for their honey and wax is gradually being adopted by many as a profession. An integrated honey beekeeping centre will soon be set up in Meghalaya to meet the growing demand for honey. Bee Mission The National Bee Board has decided to open a honey bee development centre in Meghalaya, the first of its kind in the Northeast to meet the growing popular demand for local honey in Europe and certain South Asian countries. An interactive programme presided by the Director of National Bee Board Dr BL Sarawat was held on Tuesday where it was disclosed that Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for this proposed bee development centre. Scientific Beekeeping methods The State Additional Chief Secretary, K N Kumar stressed the need to adopt scientific methods for beekeeping. He said that even with the traditional methods of beekeeping, their produce has become very popular overseas. So the farmers should adopt scientific methods to increase their yield and harness the potential of bee market. There are 5 lakh bee colonies in Meghalaya and with 7000 trained farmers Kumar expects this bee mission to be very successful. The bee population all over the world has been dwindling of late and it has been proved that if the bee population becomes extinct, life on the planet will be wiped out in four years. So bee development centres are also helpful to maintain and conserve the bee population.

25 Oct 2019
Good News

Meghalaya village bans fishing to protect fauna

Rohbah village in West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya has taken the initiative to ban fishing in the Rilang river to preserve its fauna whose numbers have come down over the years. This move of creating a fish sanctury has helped to rejuvenate the fauna. Residents of 7-8 nearby villages have also supported this initiative.  The North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP) which is  a livelihood and rural development project adopted this village which has a population of 250 to improve the livelihood of people through improved resource management. At the same time it also aims to contribute to the preservation and restoration of the environment. The fish sanctury that was established five years ago has helped to increase the yield of fishes. A project official said that they had set  up 238 community conserved areas in West Khasi Hills and 267 in West Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The NERCORMP which is a  joint developmental initiative of the North Eastern Council and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, has adopted two districts each of three northeastern states - Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya -- and will implement programmes in in two phases.   The work of  NERCORMP is commendable, but there are more villages in abject poverty whose inhabitants have only agriculture as their source of livelihood. According to a project document, there is a need to uplift the livelihood of communities residing in these remote villages.

14 Apr 2017
Good News

Positive Reads

Asia’s Cleanest River With Crystal Clear Water Is in India

The waters of the Umngot river, popularly known as Dawki, in Meghalaya are so clear that the boats moving through it appear to be floating in the air! The river passes through the Mawlynnong village in Meghalaya which is also famous. The residents of Mawlynnong keep their village spic and span so much that it's touted as the cleanest village in Asia. The Umngot River serves as a natural divider between the Jaintia and Khasi hills before finally flowing into Bangladesh. The Dawki River's water is incredibly pure. While on a boat ride, one can see the river bed with its multicolored pebbles and stones. The gorgeous turquoise water of the river looks absolutely stunning and makes it among the must-visit attractions in Meghalaya.  Boating is the ideal way to view the grandeur of the Dawki River since, when the river is around 15-20 feet deep, you can see the riverbed. The maximum capacity per boat is four persons and one fisherman. While boating on this river, one gets the impression of floating on a transparent sheet of glass. In addition to the crystal-clear water, the Dawki River offers a commanding view of Bangladesh's border.

22 Dec 2022
Positive Reads

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