In the award-winning Khasi film Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field), director Pradip Kurbah explores the beautiful Laitduh village in East Khasi Hills and captures the tranquility of the place through its natural beauty and serene lives of the people in the village.
The screen image of Laitduh is not too different from reality. Located about 11 km from Sohra bazaar, Laitduh is along the Dainthlen Road, which has scenic beauty on both sides and waterfalls, which are steadily gaining popularity among tourists. This new-found popularity is pushing Laitduh onto the tourism map on one hand and affecting the tranquility on the other. But the latter is probably a small price to pay considering that the hitherto sleepy village is waking up to recognition and villagers are finding an alternate livelihood.
This correspondent visited the village recently and was hosted by Nicholas Syiemlieh and his family.
The village has about 40 households. The area in and around Laitduh is blessed with scenic beauty and offers scope for adventure. There are virgin areas for hiking through the forest and fields.
The Tynhiang river is joined by many rivulets, which form a series of waterfalls cascading down, like the Nohkalikai, Dainthlen, Weisawdong, Rangjyrteh and Arliang Riat. A waterfall plunges to form a river called Shyngoid Ka Bthuh, which can be a great site for trekkers.
The other rivers in and around Umblai- Laitduh and Mawphu villages are Umiam, Umngai, Dainthlen and Bthuh.
Recently, the Weisawdong area was in the news for wrong reasons after the honeymoon murder case. But local tourist guides and villagers have allayed fears saying such stray incidents should not overshadow the beauty of the place.
A walk around the area shows how initiatives to encourage tourism have started. While villagers are keen to discuss about homesteads and how to better opportunities, one can also see infrastructural growth, such as footpaths, foot bridges, guest houses and tourist cottages. For those into adventure tourism can enjoy bungee jumping and rock climbing.
Land tussle
However, the bone of contention is that the land tussle between Umblai and Laitduh localities under Mawphu village administration has not been settled because Elaka Sohra has not got a permanent elected Syiem (Chief Administrator).
This has hindered proper management of facilities and growth of infrastructure. As tourist footfall is increasing, those responsible for maintaining local facilities must also be mindful of preserving the innate character of the place and control onslaught of visitors. A balance between tourism and preservation will allow the place retain its character unlike Sohra, which has been burdened by high tourist visits.
