From Our Correspondent
Nongpoh, Feb 10: Aimed at shedding light on the historical and cultural importance of the bat caves, locally referred to as ‘Krem Lymbit’ and to boost tourism in the district, Ri-Bhoi Tourism and Environmental Development Forum (RBT&EDF) organised a 5-kilometer trek to the Pnah Kyndeng Sanctuary Bat Caves, starting from Pahambir Lum on Saturday.
The trek garnered active participation from hundreds representing diverse demographics.
Nestled in the heart of Raid Nonglyngdoh in Ri-Bhoi district, the caves hold a significant place in the region’s history.
It’s noteworthy that the caves were officially recognised as a key tourist attraction in the state on April 9, 2021, during the visit of the then-chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation, Sanbor Shullai.
Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh along with Nongpoh legislator Mayralborn Syiem also visited the Pnah Kyndeng Sanctuary Bat Caves and vowed to work towards the enhancement of tourism in the region.
Lyngdoh emphasized the tremendous potential of the area, located near Assam, to become a thriving tourist hub. He stressed the need for community involvement in ensuring the sustainability of tourism.
“For Tourism to sustain, it is not only to come from the Secretariat; it should be a people’s initiative,” he stated.
The minister went on to discuss the need for a collective effort towards maintaining cleanliness, expressing bewilderment over the necessity of posters urging cleanliness in government offices. He urged a change in mindset, emphasizing that the responsibility for cleanliness should not differ based on ownership.
He delved into the economic aspects of tourism, advocating for a shift away from an exclusive reliance on extractive industries like mining.
Drawing from the example of Sohra, he highlighted how the people’s livelihoods once depended on coal and limestone, emphasizing the importance of embracing tourism as an alternative economic avenue.
Lyngdoh narrated his recent visit to Sohra, where households are rented out as guest houses during peak tourist seasons.
He stressed the economic potential of tourism, especially as Mawmluh-Cherra Cement Limited (MCCL) faces closure.
Syiem echoed the sentiments regarding the need for a shift in mindset, especially when interacting with tourists. He emphasized the role of hospitality in attracting and retaining visitors, stating, “Tourists may come from any place, we don’t know them, but as hosts, we should welcome them with courtesy.”
Syiem expressed optimism about tourism bridging the gap between poverty and unemployment, aligning with the government’s initiatives such as PRIME and Textile, which aim to create employment opportunities.
The day also provided insights into the historical background of the Pnah Kyndeng area, named after the powerful local deity ‘U Ryngkew U Basa’. Elders shared stories of rituals performed by the ‘Kur Makri’ and the annual offering of a white goat to the deity during ancient times.