World Tourism Day
SHILLONG: The World Tourism Day which was observed in the city on Friday focused its attention on preservation of water bodies and sustainable development in Meghalaya Tourism in relation to culture, adventure and the like.
Targeting the youth of the State into development activities in terms of tourism in the State, the State Tourism Department organized a seminar, Tourism and Water: Protecting our common Future to mark this day at Hotel Pinewood here on Friday.
Emphasizing on the importance of water bodies, a representative from Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) said that the water bodies are very much associated with our culture and thereby have a powerful identification with culture and heritage. Presenting his paper on the topic– Water Bodies and their identification with our culture: a Tourism perspective, an MLCU professor said “The tales of many water bodies in the State like stories of ‘Nohkalikai, ka Kshaid Dain Thlen’ and others are directly linked to our culture and loss of these important bodies means loss of our heritage.”
Interestingly, when questions were raised on whether any projects are being introduced to manage waste from flowing directly to the Barapani, officials from the Water Resource Department passed on the buck to the Urban Affairs department stating that the Water Resource Department at present deals with agriculture while the latter department handles projects like waste water management.
Meanwhile, addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Parliamentary Secretary in-charge of tourism, Kennedy C Khyriem observed that the subject is an opportunity for ensuring that tourism continues to play an important role in tackling the major water challenges in support of the 2013 United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation.
Khyriem also highlighted the concept of sustainable development in Meghalaya Tourism in relation to culture, adventure, while informing that Meghalaya Tourism has encouraged the development of ethical guidelines stressing on the fact that all growth must be eco-friendly and sustainable for the service of human beings and common good.
Various other presentations were made on this day by department of Water Resources, NEHU and IGNOU which included– Role of Water in Meghalaya Tourism, Nurturing Priceless Drops: An Approach for Sustainable Tourism Practice and Career Prospects in Tourism Sector through IGNOU Programme.
Later, to mark this day, there was a demonstration on Kayaking by the International White Water Kayakers and Pack rafters from United States and United Kingdom who demonstrated their skills at Umtyngar here.
Our Jowai Correspondent adds
With the rest of the globe, the 63rd World Tourism Day was observed here in Jowai under the theme “Tourism and Water- Protecting our Common Future.”
The observation held at the District Library Auditorium was organised by the Jaintia Tourism and Environment Society (JTES), in collaboration with the District Administration and Meghalaya Awareness Society for Communication (MASCOM). Deputy Chief Minister, Prof. RC Laloo and West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, P.S Dkhar attended the function as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively. As a part of the celebration, members of the JTES and MASCOM along with the District Administration took 66 Students and teachers for trekking to the Living Root Bridge at Padu Village on September 21. Drawing, Debate and Extempore speech competitions were also conducted.