MAWKYRWAT, Oct 5: Banking on the ‘Rock Garden’ in South West Khasi Hills to become one of the best tourist spots in the state, PHE Minister and Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton L Tongkhar has said that he is determined to construct footpaths connecting one cave to another, footbridge joining the big rocks and build railings on some big stones to avoid accidents or hazards at the tourist spot.
“If we can develop the whole area, which is so vast, it will be one of the best tourist destinations which will be visited by tourists from all over. Tourists will be happy if they can pass through one cave of the rocks to another and climb on top of the big rocks through bridges,” Tongkhar said.
He even pointed out that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who recently visited the spot, was happy with the name of the spot, Rock Garden, given to it for the rocks present atop a big hill located next to Rilang river at Jashiar village of the district.
Calling upon the public, whose role in the development of the tourist spot, according to Tongkhar, is crucial, the minister urged them not to set up stone quarries in the area stating that it will damage the aesthetic quality of the venue.
He also said that the tourist spot can provide jobs and livelihood opportunities to the local people.
In keeping with his goal of developing the Rock Garden, the Mawkyrwat MLA said that he has already tasked officials to conduct a survey scheduled for December this year and prepare a budget so that works can begin in January-February 2022.
He, however, pointed out that work would be taken up only at particular locations as the area is vast. He hinted at utilising the MLA Scheme, Chief Minister scheme, or any other scheme from the Tourism department for expanding the purview of works.
