From Our Correspondent
JOWAI: Tourism is one of the leading income-generating industries for the rural public, Chief Secretary WMS Pariat said while inaugurating the Ialong Rural Tourism Project here on Thursday.
“If we can boost Tourism Industry in the State particularly in the rural areas, I am sure the people will be greatly benefitted socially, economically and environmentally,” the Chief Secretary said.
Pariat, who inspected the Forest Eco Park, the DRDA Water Park, the Amphi-theater, the Kala Kendra and the Eco lodges was visibly inspired by the beautiful environment particularly the sacred grove, the panoramic view of the Pynthorwah Valley and the River Myntdu.
“You have such a beautiful place and you have maintained cleanliness in the entire village. This shows that the people are working jointly to make the project a success. This can happen only when the people cooperatively and actively participate in making the project successful,” Pariat said.
The Ialong Rural Tourism Project was initiated in 2006 by the District Administration jointly with the Ialong village authority.
In 2006, the District Administration under the then Deputy Commissioner, FR Kharkongor, moved the Union Ministry of Tourism under its Endogenous Tourism Project relating to rural schemes, partnered with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) Country Project, for promotion of Ialong village as a tourist destination.
In 2007 the Ministry of Tourism approved the project and a total sanctioned amount of Rs. 64.8 lakh was released.
This is the first Rural Tourism Project in Meghalaya and the third in North East India.
The inauguration was attended by Tourism Director Ms. RC Sohkhlet, West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Peter S Dkhar, former Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner FR Kharkongor who is now the Secretary, Education department.
Kharkongor, who also spoke on the occasion, reminded that the project consists of two major components – the Hardware component which includes creation of a Kala Kendra for performing cultural programmes etc., Vishram Sthals or Eco lodges, construction of parking facilities, lighting besides others and the Software component which includes training local residents in hospitality, lodging and cuisine and to make the experience culturally expressive and environmentally sustainable besides organizing awareness programmes on health and sanitation and to arrange tour programmes for the project. It also includes training for women on how to maintain tea stalls.
A memorandum was also submitted to the Chief Secretary by the Secretary, Ialong Tourism Promotion Society, Marki Mulieh for financial assistance and for further improvement and development of the Ialong Park.