MAWKYRWAT: With an aim to reinforce the principle of “Tourism for All”, the office of the block development officer, Mawkyrwat Community and Rural Development Block organised a “Paryatan Parv” (tourism festival) at Tynrong, in Mawlangwir village of South West Khasi Hills on Friday.
The festival, organised in collaboration with the office of the project director, District Rural Development Agency, is being celebrated across the country from October 5 to 25.
Speaking as chief guest, South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, R. Lyngdoh said development and promotion of tourism in the area was important as Mawlangwir was one of the clusters selected under the Urban Mission.
She said skill development, maintenance of roads, public and individual latrines, playgrounds, infrastructure and tourism were areas that needed to be addressed under the mission.
Lyngdoh also touched upon the natural rock, mountain formation and the natural beauty of the area and invited people to visit the place.
She called upon the people to avail the benefits offered by the tourism department for setting up home stays as a livelihood and inculcate the spirit of hospitality and provide security to tourists as tourism can generate income through employment opportunities.
The deputy commissioner further encouraged people to preserve nature while developing tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, director of Community and Rural Development, IR Sangma, lauded the pristine beauty and prestigious inheritance of the area. She requested the people to work together towards development of tourism in the area with a hope that it would provide employment for the youth and generate revenue.
Sangma also urged people to extend their support to the government in making the area an eco friendly tourist destination.