In a historic first for the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), traditional heads from across the two districts, including the Daloi and Sirdars, gathered at one platform to deliberate on the crucial issue of environmental conservation.
The collaborative seminar on Daloiship and Environmental Conservation, initiated by Leiden University in partnership with the JHADC, Earthtree Enviro Ltd, and Thomas Jones Synod College, was held on Friday, April 10, at Thomas Jones Synod College, Jowai.
The seminar aimed to deepen understanding of Daloiship and its role in guiding environmental conservation. The Jaiñtia Hills of Meghalaya are known for their longstanding customary institutions and practices that have sustained the region’s ecological balance over generations. As environmental concerns become increasingly urgent, the role of the Daloi, as the customary and administrative head of an Elaka, continues to evolve in ensuring responsible land stewardship and the protection of customary law. The seminar provided a platform to reflect on how Daloiship can contribute to shaping the environmental future of the Jaiñtia Hills while strengthening traditional systems of land custodianship.
Out of the 18 Dalois, 14 attended the seminar, along with both Sirdars. The programme also witnessed active participation from students and faculty of Thomas Jones Synod College, Kiang Nangbah Government College, Jowai, Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati, and St. Edmund’s College, Shillong.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Hambertus Nongtdu, Executive Member in charge of Forest, JHADC, highlighted a significant milestone achieved by the Council in empowering traditional institutions through the enactment of the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District (Establishment of Elaka and Village and Election, Appointment, Powers, Functions and Jurisdiction of Daloi, Sirdar and Waheh Chnong) Act, 2015. He noted that after more than a decade of its implementation, the Chief Executive Member has recently announced plans to amend the Act, and a committee has been constituted for this purpose. He expressed hope that the seminar would generate valuable inputs for the proposed amendments.
In her opening remarks, Anna Notsu, Research Scholar from Leiden University, expressed optimism that the deliberations would lead to the development of a policy document to be submitted to the JHADC.
Delivering the keynote address, H H Mohrmen reflected on the historical necessity of protecting the unique culture, landholding systems, and grassroots governance of the hill communities. He noted that even during colonial rule, special provisions were made to safeguard these customary practices, which were later reinforced by the adoption of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. He further observed that the 2015 Act not only recognises the dual layers of traditional administration but also emphasises the powers and functions of the Daloi, including several provisions directly related to environmental conservation.
Among the Daloi who addressed the gathering were Puramon Kynjiñ, Manbha Kyndoh, Chanky Langbang, and Oldwing Shadong. In the later session, 12 Dalois and both Sirdars actively participated in discussions.
The programme also featured student presentations by Lomin Saindurmikia Suchiang and Samanlang Suchiang from Thomas Jones Synod College, and Rimiki Dkhar and Cheerful Lyngdoh from Kiang Nangbah Government College. Other speakers included Ailynti Nongbri and Wandee Lamin.
A key outcome of the seminar was the consensus among the traditional heads on the urgent need to grant greater powers and authority to the Daloi and Sirdars to effectively safeguard the environment and uphold customary governance systems. closing remark was made by Stebanson Mylliemngap of Earth Tree.
