Sohra residents not benefitting from tourism: MLA

SHILLONG: Sohra, known as the wettest place on earth invites heavy footfalls round the year. However, according to local MLA, T. Chyne, it has brought no benefits to the residents and stated that they do not spend a single penny on the food and material made by the local people.
Speaking at a function organized by the Ultimate Legend Bikers Association (ULBA) at Khliehshnong, Sohra on Saturday, he said, “I disagree that the people of Sohra are benefitted from tourism. A tourist visits Sohra and pays Rs 15-Rs 20 as gate collection and beyond that a tourist does not spend at Sohra market or to purchase anything.”
“The people of Sohra earn their livelihood from Sohra market, MCCL, stone quarry, coal mining and not from tourism,” he claimed.
According to Chyne, tourists indiscriminately throw plastics, bottles, and other materials, and then leave.
He urged the people to come with innovative ideas that will attract visitors to their market which will in turn boost their economic development.
Chyne observed that if the people do not come up with creative ideas on how to attract tourists, a time will come when the popularity of Sohra will be overshadowed by other villages portrayed as the best as in the case of Mawlynnong.
He said: “The people at Mawlynnong are hospitable and tourists are now flocking the place, sidelining Sohra.”
The ULBA has urged the State Government to construct a cable car to take people across from Noh Ka Likai waterfalls to Nongriat to boost tourism in Sohra.