Light and sound show on anvil for Ward’s Lake

SHILLONG: If all goes according to plan, tourists and locals alike in the state capital can expect their evenings to light up.
The over 100-year-old Ward’s Lake known to attract locals, domestic and foreign tourists is set to dazzle in the evening with a light and sound show, although the idea is still at its planning stage.
Nestled in verdant beauty, Ward’s Lake is regarded as a historical landmark built during the British times and developed by a Khasi prisoner.
The Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, in the budget speech of 2019-2020 had informed that the state government is setting up the light and sound show at a cost of Rs 2.73 crore.
According to him, the show will aesthetically bring together light, music and water projection to provide a memorable experience both for the tourists and the locals and also provide a platform for encouraging local musicians.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, a government official said that the light and sound show is being promoted to draw tourists’ attention to the culture of the state and it will be an added attraction for them in the evening.
Besides promoting the tourist spot, the official said the light and sound show will also promote event-based activity in the evening since the Ward’s lake is mostly used in the morning and the afternoon.
The light and sound show at Ward’s Lake is being funded under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Centre has already sanctioned the amount but it is still at a conceptual stage.
Referring to the Light and Sound show at the historic Red Fort, Delhi, the official said, “The light and sound show at Ward’s Lake will create more tourism value wherein the tourists will also learn about the culture and tradition of the state.”
The light and sound show will shed important light on Ward’s Lake being a historic place and an old landmark of the city and the state Tourism department is making efforts to utilise the historical aspect, besides the scenic beauty.
It may be recalled that in September 2003, then Chief Minister DD Lapang inaugurated the melody fountain at Ward’s Lake which was a gift from the Assam Rifles.
The then Director General Assam Rifles, Lt Gen HS Kanwar, had dedicated the fountain to the people of Meghalaya, which cost Rs 9.8 lakh.
The fountain still stands at Ward’s Lake, but the music has stopped.