Editor ,
It is a great moment of pride for Meghalaya that the rest of the country has come to realise that Shillong is one of the favoured hill stations amongst other hill stations. Along with this achievement it is the Government’s proactive approach and encouragement that is required in helping the rural areas where the actual tourism potential lies. Upcoming entrepreneurs in the tourism industry should be welcomed with their plans and ideas rather than playing red tape with their spirit and zeal. Involvement of the local community under a private public partnership should be given more impetus while corporate houses should be involved but without disturbing the prevailing local systems. We should improve rather than change and destroy. However, while talking about promoting eco-tourism the state needs to do more to reduce deforestation and quarrying and ban illegal felling of trees and burning of forest cover which is almost a habit amongst rural people. Better and motorable roads, pathways, sanitation, accommodation and security are primarily important if the tourism sector has to grow at par with other states. Perhaps initiating the program of having trained tourist police amongst the local people will be a benefit as would bring in a sense of responsibility, ownership, respect and income in the long run.
Yours etc…
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
Shillong best hill station?
Editor,
While we are gratified at the fact that Shillong is nominated as one of the best hill stations it is our duty to live up to this reputation. Alas, it seems like a far cry. The dirtiest place in the city today are Police Bazar and Motphran two of the populous markets without a garbage collection system worth the name. I know of many tourists who complain that Police Bazar is the most disorderly space with hawkers spilling over into every available space and leaving pedestrians with almost no space to walk on. This is particularly true of the road from Motphran to Paltan Bazar. It also seems that no one is able to hold to account the Syiem of Mylliem who lays claim to the whole of Iewduh (Bara Bazar) and collects revenue from all shops owners but has no control over the market and nor is the syiemship interested in improving the condition of the market. It is a shame to take visitors to this dirty, crowded market, yet it is also a tourist site since it houses the oldest market in the state. Why does the State Government no assert itself and take over the reins of Iewduh? For how long can the Syiem of Mylliem play around with the market and earn from it without any accountability about what he does with the money. It is high time someone goes to court on this issue. Lets see what the court has to say.
Yours etc.,
D Blah,
Via email