State neglects hidden tourism gem Laitlum

SHILLONG: Laitlum village and its deep canyons have emerged as the new tourist destination in Shillong and the place is now being frequented by hundreds of tourists on a daily basis.
Laitlum has its own charm and the scenic beauty even attracted Bollywood as a major part of the upcoming movie Rock On 2 was shot in Laitlum.
However, what is surprising is the fact that the place that has more than one reason to attract tourists has not yet caught the attention of neither the State Government nor the tourist-based NGOs.
The place, which is a hidden gem, requires basic infrastructure that could have given a huge fillip to the area.
Some tourists who thronged the place recently said that Laitlum is surely one of the best tourist destinations in the region but the road to the tourist spot should be improved.
The place till date does not have a good restaurant and eateries and even where tourists could have enjoyed their food which would have added to the economy of the local population.
In addition, there is no proper parking place and the vehicle are parked anywhere as per the wish of the owner of the vehicle
Many also feels that the  approach road within the spot should be further repaired.
Some tourists also say the Government should invest in the area and in no time it will be as famous as Cherrapunjee due to its exotic   beauty and growing fame , adding that Meghalaya Government should also   repair the road as the road from Smit onwards till Laitlum is full of potholes.