Meghalaya,Oct 25: Colours on a stained wall and wise words on it can definitely attract a passerby. But did you ever think that artwork can be used as a means of social change? The Forest and Environment Department of Government of Meghalaya Ri-Bhoi Sub-division inaugurated a wall drawing as a part of Awareness to the People of Ri-Bhoi so that the people will understand the type of animals living inside the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary.

While speaking to one of the Officer of the department, he said that this artist’s initiative is all about using art as an effective medium for raising awareness.

“I want to create a series around this style and these animals and spread the word about conservation efforts. I want it to inspire people to go and learn more about the particular species featured in the paintings.’’ Said officer.

Nongkhyllem being one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Northeast, the Officer also said that if possible the entire department should create awareness through wall painting instead of unwanted drawings and unwanted content written in the wall of the Department Office.

Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Ri- Bhoi district of Meghalaya, the area consists of undulating plains to low hills, which are part of the Archaean Meghalaya Plateau. The area has become broken and rugged, especially towards west and north, because of continuous erosion by the rivers Umtrew, Umran, Umling, Umtasor and other smaller streams.

The lowest parts of the Sanctuary are about 200 m above near Lailad, while the highest are 950 m above in the eastern and southern areas. The Umtrew is the main river of the area and the rest named above are its tributaries. The Umtrew also marks the western boundary of the Reserve Forest and the Sanctuary.