SHILLONG: Wards Lake, the iconic tourist spot in the city, re-opened for locals on Wednesday, months after it was shut due to pandemic, only to witness a sparse footfall. The trend remained unchanged on Thursday, too.
As the park opened, some young boys and girls made their entry into the lake but not before those manning the gate, packed in PPE suits, took their personal details, checked their temperature and made the visitors sanitise their hands.
It may be mentioned that the state government has flung open the gates of Elephant Falls, Nehru Park Umiam and the Wards Lake in the heart of the city which is also a favourite spot for joggers.
Although it is on a trial basis and open only to locals, strict protocols have been put in place.
The Wards Lake, which has a huge footfall, saw very thin number of visitors on the first day while workers of the park were seen sanitising the boats and cleaning the entire boat house.
Dr Aruna Ngangom, who had come with her son to the Lake and went for a boat ride, said that it was very refreshing for the mind and thanked the state government.
“It’s so nice that after so many months, these places have reopened and we could come here,” she said.
Another visitor, Rigunguangliu Pamei, endorsed the same view while adding that she was happy to come to the Lake after so long.
Meanwhile, senior receptionist, Jenita Mutyen, said that being the first day there were scanty number of people, but hoped that in days to come, the situation will improve.
She also admitted they have suffered a lot during the pandemic as prior to the closure of Lake in March last, the revenue generation by way of entry tickets, boat rides etc., used to be anything between Rs 30,000 and 40,000 per day.