America's University of Berkeley to 'Adopt' 100 Meghalaya Villages

Shillong, June 29, 2019:

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is finally taking the Northeastern state to the world! This phenomenon is now on full-display as the US-based University of Berkeley has resolved to 'adopt' 100 villages in Meghalaya to initiate the unique concept of 'smart villages' and address the issue of 'urban migration' due to environmental issues, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Friday.

The Chief Minister made this announcement while addressing a gathering at Montreux in Switzerland, who had converged for the Caux Forum, which aims to inspire, equip and connect people, groups and organizations to build a "just, sustainable and peaceful world".

The state government will sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Berkeley in September to adopt 100 villages to start the concept of 'smart villages' in Meghalaya, Conrad said, according to an official release issued here.

"Our cities are already choking and having smart villages will prevent urban migration and related environmental issues", he said.

Sangma also took to Twitter to announce this new, unique and exciting concept. A tweet from his official Twitter handle read: "World is talking about Smart Cities, we in India and particular Meghalaya have initiated a policy to adopt villages and ensure different amenities and infrastructure is created in our villages. We are committed to provide opportunities to people living in villages."

The University of California, Berkeley (also known as UC Berkeley) is a public research university in located in Berkeley town in California state. It was founded in 1868 and serves as the flagship institution of the ten research universities affiliated with the University of California system. Notable alumni include Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Hollywood legend Gregory Peck, 'Wonder Woman' star Chris Pine, among many others.

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