Forum asks govt to frame policy for sustainable tourism

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum (MRTF) has expressed concern over the rise of “mass tourism” which will affect the rural environment and infrastructure and asked the government to draw up a policy for sustainable tourism.
In a letter to the Commissioner and Secretary of Tourism, president of the forum, Alan West, and general secretary Aiban S. Mawkroh said that the unplanned and unregulated growth has affected the social fabric, the local building and transport infrastructure and most importantly the fragile environment although it has improved the local and especially the rural economy in some ways.
The MRTF maintained that nature and the state’s natural heritage are the USP of tourism in Meghalaya which the forum vows to protect and preserve.
“Since the core of Meghalaya Tourism lies in its scenic natural beauty, its natural heritage like the living-root bridges, the sacred forests, the monoliths and its culture, it is important that we protect and conserve them to sustain this industry,” he said.
The forum observed that the tourism products in the rural areas also demand the need for awareness among the rural populace on the pros and cons of the industry.
In this connection, the forum has urged the Commissioner and Secretary to initiate a policy on the type of tourism that the forum plans to promote and sustain in order to improve the economy especially the rural economy.
As a long term suggestion, the MRTF has suggested to declare tourism in Meghalaya as natural scenic beauty, adventure sports, natural, cultural heritage-centric and to identify tourism potential areas in rural areas of the state as biospheres reserves so industries and even large hotels are prohibited.
Another long term suggestion is to make the Umroi Airport fully functional so that it is connected to major cities of the country.
As a short term suggestion, the forum suggested to declare all tourists spot and destination as litter-free zone and proper signboards to be kept along the way informing tourists and educating them. Heavy penalty should be imposed on defaulters.
Sale of locally made souvenirs should be encouraged while sale of those from outside the state should be restricted, it said.