GAUHATI, India (AP) - Tribal kings and chieftains in a remote corner of India that is one of the rainiest places on Earth chose former Vice President Al Gore for their first ''global award'' for bringing attention to the dangers of climate change.

More than 3,000 kings, chieftains and elders from Meghalaya, a northeastern state, decided to honor Gore after watching his Academy Award-winning documentary film, ''An Inconvenient Truth.''

''We consider Al Gore a champion for putting the issue of climate change on the world's radar,'' said Robert Kharshiing, a lawmaker who chairs the Grassroots Democracy Advisory Council. ''We want the world to know that our tiny state can face disastrous consequences too.''

The leaders say there has been significantly less rain in recent years in Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, towns that usually receive as much as 40 feet of rain each year. They worry global warming might be to blame for the change.

This year's rainfall statistics were not available for the areas.

Tribal leaders have planned a ceremony Oct. 6 to honor Gore. The council invited Gore to the ceremony, which will take place during a ''people's parliament'' that is expected to attract 300,000 people, but he has not said whether he will attend.

''We have since received a reply from Mr. Gore's office saying he was very humbled hearing about the decision of people far away to confer him with the award,'' Kharshiing said.

By WASBIR HUSSAIN Associated Press Writer

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