Tourism Dept sends list of 13 thematic circuits to Centre

SHILLONG: The State Tourism Department has sent new proposals to the Centre under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and the Prasad Scheme.
Under the first scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development. The circuits are northeast India, Buddhist, Himalayan, coastal, Krishna, desert, tribal, eco, wildlife, rural, spiritual, Ramayana and heritage.
Under ‘PRASAD’, or the National mission on pilgrimage rejuvenation and spiritual augmentation drive, the focus is on development and beautification of the identified pilgrimage destinations.
In the ‘spiritual circuit’, the thrust is on development of a particular thematic circuit consisting of various religious destinations.
Tourism Minister Metbah Lyngdoh said on Friday the proposals were sent to the central government few days back and it has assured to extend support.
Lyngdoh said the state would ensure that all guidelines are followed.
Asserting that the state possesses huge potential as far as tourism is concerned, Lyngdoh said the government has to develop and improve infrastructure to support the huge inflow of tourists.
Meghalaya despite having several bottlenecks has been able to attract a large number of tourists whose numbers soared to 10,02,907 in 2017, according to the Tourism Department.