SHILLONG/ NONGSTOIN/ NONGPOH/ MAWKYRWAT, April 28: One of the most severely hit by COVID-19, the rural tourism sector in Meghalaya is now hoping for a financial package from the state government to bail them out of the present situation of crisis which has been threatening lives and livelihood.
Stating that the once-booming rural tourism has suffered a lot during the first wave of COVID-19 itself, let alone the effects of the second wave, and that it was slowly limping back up on its feet, president of Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum, Alan West Kharkongor, said, “For things to improve in the entire country, we foresee that it will take a lot of time, so if that happens the government should consider some packages”.
The president of the Forum said that tourism is completely closed and seeing the surge in infections, they cannot take chances. “One week earlier, I was saying there has to be a balance between health and economy but at this moment health is a priority,” he said.
Pointing out that situation in Delhi and Mumbai are grave, Kharkongor said, “Our tourism is based in rural areas and we do not want to put them at risk. Lots of people are into tourism and if rural tourism is open, many will be entering and we just want to avoid that”.
Enquired as to how many people are financially affected, Kharkongor said that in Sohra, not less than 1000 are directly employed, adding that the numbers from across the state will be a lot.
Narrating their ordeal, Kharkongor said, “We were hit last year, there was zero business. When we left our property for one year before opening in December last year, we are compelled to choose from running it or spending on it”.
“For reopening, we have to spend lot of money. After three months, electricity bills came for the entire year when we had no business and we were compelled to pay that,” he added.
He informed that some of the operators took loan as during January-February, things were looking positive to repay the amounts. But now due to an abrupt shutdown, they have several burdens.
“No business from 2020, spending a lot of money in giving facelift to our abandoned property for one year again taking loans to clear bills; we are in a difficult position,” Alan West Kharkongorsaid.
Suggesting that the state government should think about giving some financial aid to the tourism sector, especially in rural areas, he said, “Taking into consideration all that has happened right from 2020 till now, I think we need some special relief packages.”
He maintained that they are not asking for much but some to take care of what they have spent and for families to feed.
Asked if any communication was made with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in this regard, Kharkongor said, “We are waiting. The government announced 1-10 days of restrictions and partial shutdown and if the duration is short, we are alright, but looking at the national scenario it looks like it will go on for a long time”.
“We will meet soon as stakeholders if the current situation continues for three to four months we will have to meet discuss and approach the government,” he informed.
Nongstoin MLA takes first dose of COVID vax
Nongstoin MLA Macmillan Byrsat, on Wednesday, received the first dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 at Nongstoin Community Health Centre.
Along with the MLA, Chairman of Nongstoin C&RD Block W Iawphniaw and his family members also took their first doses. After being inoculated with the vaccine, Byrsat urged the people of Nongstoin and West Khasi Hills as a whole to come forward and get vaccinated.
He allayed fears of the public about the purported ill-effects of vaccines by stating that these are rumours which should not be entertained.
Speaking about the next phase of vaccination for age group 18-44 years, the MLA reminded youths to come forward for taking the shot and contribute in the fight against COVID-19.
NEPA Umsawkhwan micro-containment zone
The North Eastern Police Academy Umsawkhwan, Ri Bhoi, has been declared a micro-containment zone from April 28 till May 3 after a COVID-19 case was detected in the academy, the District Magistrate of Ri Bhoi informed in an order.
In another order, the District Magistrate made some amendments to the restrictions issued earlier in view of the rising cases of COVID-19 infections.
It was directed that opening of barber shops, beauty parlours, saloons, spa and other similar rejuvenating centres, all cinemas halls, gymnasium, contacted sports, swimming pools, bars and auditorium, assembly halls and similar recreational places will be prohibited.
Moreover, all shops within the district have been allowed to open on alternate days and the Market Committees along with the respective Dorbar are requested to ensure the same so as to avoid overcrowding, the order stated.
Ban on gathering in South West Khasi Hills
With graph of COVID-19 infections going up lately, South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Caramai Kharkongor, in an order issued on Wednesday, barred public gathering throughout the district from May 1 till further orders.
“…all official and non-official training classes, public awareness campaign, meetings and other public gathering/ congregation etc., shall remain suspended from May 1 until further order. Attendance in funeral is to be restricted to only 20 people,” the order said.
