From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 16: Tura MP Agatha K Sangma on Thursday handed over the first-ever zip lining at Aminda Rangsa, a project which was initiated by Meghalaya Tourism, to be managed by the members of Aminda Rangsa Eco Tourism Co-op Society as per basic and necessary guidelines.
Lauding the efforts of the tourism department in the state, Agatha said that the first-ever zip lining being started in this part of Garo Hills is commendable and expressed hope that this would attract more tourists in near future.
Stating that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has given special importance to tourism, she added that the government was trying to promote both eco-tourism and adventure tourism in the state, to provide an opportunity in uplifting the economy of the people of the region.
“Earlier, people travel and stay in big cities and hotels, but people nowadays prefer eco-tourism”, she said, adding that the breathtaking landscape of the region is suitable and can facilitate eco-tourism and also benefit the host community.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Tangchiring K Sangma, said that it is a matter of great pride to start the first-ever zip lining in Garo Hills, which is expected to attract tourists to the area.
She also advised the people to expand their tourism activities by establishing Homestays for people who might like to stay over and enjoy the rural life of the people.
District Tourism Officer, Ava Sherin Sangma said that the Tourism department has selected eight people from the area to attend a training programme organised by Pioneer Adventure Tours at Mawkdok, East Khasi Hills, on zip lining in the month of June, 2023, and that the District Tourism Office, West Garo Hills, had sponsored the training.
She also mentioned that the project cost has been estimated at Rs 75 lakh under the Ministry of Tourism.
Member of the Aminda Rangsa Eco Tourism Co-op Society, Jengman Sangma, while sharing his experiences, told the gathering that he along with seven other members attended the three-week-long training programme held at Mawkdok, Cherrapunjee, Sohra, East Khasi Hills.
Informing that the zip lining facility would be operational from November 18 between 10 am and 4 pm, he said that people have stopped visiting this beautiful village once famous for artistic wood carvings and cleanliness, and expressed hope that people will soon visit to get an experience of the zip lining and perhaps food stalls, etc., which has the potential to flourish side by side in future.
Block Development Officer of Gambegre C&RD Block, Raj Kumar Hajong, Assistant Director, Tourism, West Garo Hills, Bulbuly S Marak, Nokma, Aminda Rangsa, Wanson Sangma, Pastor Aminda Rangsa Baptist Church, members of Eco Tourism Society and people of the area were among others present at the function.