First Eco-Sustainable ‘Pine Home’ Project and Open-Air Museum
IN a landmark step toward advancing sustainable tourism and community-centric development, Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Monday inaugurated the State’s first eco-sustainable habitat, the ‘Pine Home’ project, at Mawlangwir Village in South West Khasi Hills. The event also witnessed the remote inauguration of the Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum aimed at preserving its rich cultural heritage while promoting eco-tourism.
The ‘Pine Home’ Eco-Tourism Model Project stands as a novel and unique initiative that seamlessly blends global architectural excellence with local competence, principles and ethos. Constructed by local masons and artisans, the project integrates indigenous aesthetics with global engineering and technology frameworks.
Marking a major milestone as the State’s first eco-sustainable habitat, the project is designed as a dedicated space for art, creativity, and community engagement. It was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of the Picasso Pupils Art Society, Slovakia-based Emage Architecture Studio, and the Saitsnad Multipurpose Co-operative Society, with the support of the Department of Tourism, Meghalaya.
Backed by a financial outlay of ₹4 crore from the State government, it serves as a holistic model for green tourism, climate-resilient architecture, and sustainable community living. Furthermore, the initiative operates in seamless integration with the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission to empower local families to manage eco-friendly spaces and generate economic opportunities.
Adding another significant dimension to the Government of Meghalaya’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage, the Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum in Mawsynram brings attention to an important chapter of the region’s history. The site preserves the remains of an early Khasi settlement that once served as a vibrant centre of trade and community life. Preserving a mid-18th-century settlement, the scientifically validated archaeological site contains over 20 structures, megaliths, an ancient market, an iron furnace, and historical trade routes. The initiative aims to protect indigenous Khasi history and culture while transforming the location into a key centre for archaeological tourism.
Designed to combine preservation with interpretation, the museum will enable visitors to explore the archaeological findings while gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s history and cultural legacy. To support this, the Government of Meghalaya has already sanctioned around ₹63 lakh for infrastructure creation and research to develop the Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum, with the initiative envisioned as an important centre for heritage and archaeological tourism.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of the community members and architects whose dedication and sustainable building practices made the vision a reality. Highlighting the Government's commitment to boosting sustainable tourism and community-driven entrepreneurship, the Hon’ble Chief Minister formally distributed financial assistance sanction letters to local beneficiaries and cooperative bodies.
As part of the Chief Minister’s Homestay Scheme, 15 selected beneficiaries received sanction letters of ₹10 lakh each to support the creation and improvement of tourist accommodation infrastructure. Furthermore, to strengthen community-based tourism infrastructure, 3 registered tourism societies were awarded sanction letters of ₹5 lakh each for developing new tourism sites in the region.
By pioneering eco-sustainable architecture and actively preserving historical narratives through initiatives like the Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum, the Government of Meghalaya continues to position the State as a premier global destination for responsible, community-driven tourism.
Shillong
August 16, 2026