SHILLONG, March 11: Congress MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh, on Thursday said that Rs 2.73 crore is a huge investment for laser light show project at Wards Lake, especially when there are other aspects of tourism that require government’s prompt attention.
Lyngdoh said this while replying to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma who had informed that there has been a sanction for the sound and light show funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the administrative approval accorded for Rs 2.73 crore for which the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) is to be floated by the Directorate of Tourism.
Conrad informed this when he was asked by Lyngdoh if there has been sanction for any project for Wards Lake.
The chief minister also said that the Meghalaya Infrastructure Development Finance Cooperation Limited (MIDFC) is the nodal agency that is coordinating the entire tendering process.
Citing the example of the fountain installed at Khyndai Lad, Lyngdoh expressed concern over the past projects.
“In previous years, there was a huge fountain project that was installed at Khyndai Lad. This fountain seems to have disappeared and my question is on its operation and maintenance. How are we going to ensure that this huge investment of 2.73 crore will see a sustained presence in such investments,” Lyngdoh questioned.
In reply, the chief minister said, “You must have seen that during Independence Day, the gateway of India is lit up with a laser light show while at Gateway of India, the entire history of India’s Independence is reflected with laser lights. Similarly, in many locations around the world, laser light shows take place”.
“You will find water coming up from the lake which will act as a screen, and on that screen, laser light will be reflected which, in turn, will depict the entire story and culture of Meghalaya. It will be a show which will be for over thirty minutes,” the chief minister added.
He said this was being done to upgrade the overall experience of tourist at Wards Lake.
Conrad said after the project implementation, the state government will ensure that it runs properly.
Lyngdoh has, meanwhile, petitioned for a meeting between the officials of the MIDFC and MLAs to deliberate over tourism.