MTDC delays a dozen tourism projects at Lum Sohpetbneng

SHILLONG, Oct 3: The Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has failed to complete the development of 12 infrastructure projects amounting to Rs 18.82 crore at Lum Sohpetbneng under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
The revelation was made by RTI activist Disparsing Rani on Monday.
The MTDC was expected to complete the project within 18 months from the date of commencement of work in February, 2019. The corporation had allotted the contract for the 12 projects to nine contractors.
“The MTDC has claimed that 94% of the work has been completed. But a visit to the site tells a different story,” Rani told reporters.
According to him, many components of the projects like the sound and light show, storm water drainage system, mountain biking, solid waste management, landscaping and others were incomplete.
He also claimed to have witnessed leakage in the building housing the counselling centre along with the multipurpose hall.
Referring to the RTI documents, Rani said the Seng Khasi Kmie had entered into agreement with the MTDC for the projects. As per the agreement, Seng Khasi Kmie donated a plot of land measuring 11.123 acres (plot 1) and another 8.783 acres (plot 2) to the MTDC without any encumbrances for the purpose of tourism development.
The agreement clearly stated that the executive committee of Seng Khasi Kmie, Mawkhar, will not claim any compensation from the MTDC and the infrastructure created on the said land would be operated by the Seng Khasi Kmie.
As per the document, Seng Khasi Kmie will be the rightful owner of the land and the infrastructure for all legal and other purposes.
The agreement also states that Seng Khasi Kmie will appoint a technical officer of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to supervise the works.
The secretary of Lum Sohpetbneng Committee will assist the official as and when required.