Tourism is the state government’s pet project and much has been done, leveraging every possible resource, to deliver the best. The statement is only a claim and should be considered with a pinch of salt.
Even as the Meghalaya government bets big on tourism, measures to improve facilities, including the basic ones, remain half-hearted. Tourist hangouts in and around the city are testimony to the government’s lack of seriousness. In fact, it has a lot to do before it can boast of its tourism sector.
The vast Umiam and the pristine green hills surrounding the man-made lake welcome tourists but the glitch starts at the gateway to Shillong. The Umiam Water Sport Complex, which is a favourite tourist as well as picnic spot, is a disappointment.
The leaking roofs of some of the shades, lack of space to wash utensils and lack of monitoring the place, especially on a holiday, turn it into a chaos. A security guard stationed on the premises said employees here are off duty on public holidays and the place is left to picnickers and tourists. However, he added that guards are around on other days till 5pm when the complex closes its gate.
An aggrieved picnicker from Assam, Bhaskar Narayan, who visited the place on August 15 with family and a few friends from Kolkata, said he was embarrassed when they could not find the right shade to sit underneath.
“The skylights had holes and the place was dirty too. We had to sweep the floor and put newspapers to make it suitable. But we were at a loss when it started to rain and cooking had to be stopped,” he recollected.
Narayan further said the shades did not have any side coverand they had to stand holding a tarpaulin to keep the rain away.
Each person has to pay Rs 50 to get entry into the complex. If it is a bus carrying visitors then the amount payable is Rs 2000. For SUVs, it is Rs 750. Despite such exorbitant fees, there is hardly any facility.
The toilet inside the complex is ill-maintained and unhygienic. The stench emanating from the facility makes it easier for visitors to spot it.
The sport complex also has boat rides on the Umiam but several boats remain out of maintenance. Also, authorities at the complex are lax when it comes to implementing safety norms. Though there are many life jackets, a tourist can choose not to wear and there is no penalty for that. With no rescue team around, the laxity can lead to fatal consequences.
There are no official guides at the site who can inform tourists about the place and its history.
RG Lyngdoh, founder chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum, admitted that there are not enough infrastructure within the city that can make it convenient not only for tourists but also for citizens. “There are no toilets and not enough space to dump litter. At picnic spots such as the Umiam Sport Complex, there are no facilities to cook or wash the utensils,” he says.
Another lacuna that Lyngdoh points out is lack of rooms for tourists.
Shillong, which is recording an exponential growth in tourist footfall every year, finds it difficult to accommodate people.
When the condition of Umiam was apprised, a senior government official with the Tourism Department assured that grievances raised will be addressed.
“We will improve the amenities for tourists at the most sought after destination,” the official added.
Lyngdoh suggests that community involvement is necessary for capacity building at picnic spots. “The government is only a catalyst. It is not possible for the government to maintain and take care of every place. Even local bodies, under whose jurisdiction these picnic spots come, should be involved. They can invest in bettering facilities and use the money from tickets for maintenance,”he said.
In West Garo Hills, however, there are places for picnickers maintained by local bodies.
For instance, Chibragre Picnic Spot on the Ganol river around 12 km from Tura, has toilets, drinking water that can be bought from local shop owners and proper facility to dispose garbage. The community people who are responsible for the upkeep of the place charge a nominal fee from visitors. The government, in no way, is involved in the day to day upkeep.
There are other sites like the Fish Sanctuary at Rombagre along the Tura-Williamnagar road which is being looked after by villagers. Tourists can also go to the Dachi Lake at Anogre with boating facilities, including fishing with a hook, for a fee.
Resorts have also sprung up like the ones at Daribok and Chandigre, both initiatives of the Tura Adventure Club (TAC). Another resort at Rangira is reportedly being started by TAC.
There is also Aminda Rangsa heritage village under Gambegre Block where the whole village has contributed to making it a tourist destination by beautifying the village in different ways, placing dustbins and traditional wood carvings, among other things.
There has been almost no action from the government or the local authorities to develop these spots.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi said the local communities are given help by the government to develop the places further. “Most of the places in the town are maintained by the government. In rural areas, like the heritage village and the resorts, local help is required. Villagers are self-sufficient now and can generate income. The places of tourist interest in the city have all facilities and are well-maintained,” he added.
In Nongpoh, one of the popular tourist destinations in Ri Bhoi district is the Marngar Lake side.
Run by the Marngar Eco Tourism and Cultural Development Society, the rate is Rs 10 per person and no case of overcharging has been reported till date. There are safety jackets for boating as well as local guides. The Tourism Department was funding for its beautification.
However, the major problem is road connectivity. No repair has been made so far and the road is in a pathetic condition.
But instead of taking care of the basic amenities, concerts, food fest, DJ nights and other events are organised to popularise the tourist spot.
It is time that the government realises that more than words it is the action that will speak louder. In the competitive tourism industry, it is imperative that Meghalaya creates a niche by adopting an exemplary model not just to thrive but grow healthily.
~ By Chean Marak &
Pynshngainlang N. Syiem
