From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, July 7: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday launched the ‘Meghalaya Rafting’ initiative at Umtham village in Ri-Bhoi District. The primary objective of this programme is to promote rafting as a popular sport in the state.
For several years, the Ri-Bhoi Water Sports and Tourism Cooperative Society and the Meghalaya Canoe Association have been actively involved in promoting rafting at Umtham village and collaborating with the government. Recognising the immense potential of rafting, the government has taken the initiative to launch the programme.
Umtham village has hosted numerous national and international events organised by the Ri-Bhoi Water Sports and Tourism Cooperative Society and the Meghalaya Canoe Association to create awareness and generate interest in the sport. Several youths have received training in rafting and are actively participating in various national and international competitions.
The Megha Kayak Fest held at Umtham has garnered international acclaim, with the village’s natural beauty and the river drawing appreciation. The local organisations aspire to develop the course into the world’s most exhilarating perennial slalom course.
Sangma applauded the pioneering efforts of the team behind rafting and canoeing activities in the area. He assured the organisations of the government’s full support to elevate and promote rafting to new heights.
“As a government, we believe in promoting innovative ideas and interventions. Rafting in Umtham holds tremendous potential, and it is our responsibility to support and go the extra mile to leverage this thrilling sport, empowering our youth and attracting global attention,” he said. Highlighting the potential of rafting and the passion of the state’s young enthusiasts, Sangma expressed confidence that they would bring pride to Meghalaya in the future. The government is committed to scientifically nurturing talented sportspeople in the coming years, he pointed out.
Regarding the promotion of Umtham as a tourist destination, the CM emphasised its enormous potential. He pledged to address immediate challenges, improve network connectivity, and explore infrastructure enhancements.
He further assured that Umtham would be developed as a tourism circuit to enhance the overall experience for visiting tourists.
The event was attended by Umsning MDC Macdalyne Sawkmie Mawlong, Director of the Sports & Youth Affairs Isawanda Laloo, Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Arpit Upadhyaya and Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad, among others.