SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday submitted a memorandum to Union Tourism Minister K J Alphons to implement Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills to upscale tourism potential of Meghalaya.
The CM was accompanied by State Tourism Minister Metbah Lyngdoh and Sport Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh in New Delhi.
“As part of the North East Circuit, which has been taken up by the Ministry of Tourism, we have submitted a proposal to put adequate thrust on popular tourism circuit of Meghalaya to enhance infrastructure and build better amenities to facilitate tourism,” informed Chief Minister.
The Ministry of Tourism has taken up thirteen thematic circuits to promote tourism in the country, which includes North East India Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Heritage Circuit, etc.
“Meghalaya boasts of unique and rich cultural diversity. We have apprised on the urgent need to develop popular tourism destinations of the State,” informed the Chief Minister.
He said that under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the State Government has chart out an ambitious programme to create better infrastructure and amenities for the tourist in Meghalaya.
“The Garo Hills region of Meghalaya also needs to be projected and marketed as a tourism destination. The situation in Garo Hills has improved a lot and we are trying to create better infrastructure in different destinations of Garo Hills”, the Chief Minister added.
He also informed that the State Government will build capacity amongst the youth and interested entrepreneurs so that pool of human resources is ready to cater to tourism and hospitality sector.
Sports Infrastructure
Meanwhile, Sangma on Thursday also met Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in New Delhi with State Tourism Minister Metbah Lyngdoh and Sport Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh.
The Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister on the need to create better sports infrastructure in Meghalaya in view of the National Games 2022, which is being hosted by the State.
“We have sought Central Government’s full cooperation and support to boost sports facilities and infrastructure in Meghalaya. The Union Minister has assured to look into our request, informed the Chief Minister,” the CM said.
He informed that Meghalaya is finalizing its road map for the National Games 2022 and all out efforts are being made to create best of sporting infrastructure to host the event, which will ensure overall development of Meghalaya.
“The meeting with the Union Minister was very positive and we are looking forward to all assistance and guidance to take our mission forward to host the mega event”, the Chief Minister added.
Civil Aviation
The Chief Minister met Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu along with Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar in New Delhi to discuss on enhancing air connectivity in Meghalaya.
“We have sought for intervention from the Ministry to enhance air connectivity and further boost the infrastructural facilities at Shillong Airport and also to initiate work for operationalizing the Baljek Airport in Garo Hills”, the Chief Minister said.