SHILLONG, March 6: Shella MLA, Balajied Kupar Synrem inaugurated the Mawseintyllang Eco Tourist Resort at Nongwar under the Shella Confederacy, on Wednesday.
Located at Nongwar which is one of the villages falling under the purview of the Lafarge Umiam Mining Company’s eco-restoration and livelihoods creation project, the Rs 3.13 crore projects which will be run by the community with the assistance of the Dorbar Shnong, Nongwar is set to become a much sought for destination.
Complete with an infinity swimming pool and a natural look-out point towards the plains of Bangladesh the resort presently has four rooms but some more are in the offing in the adjoining spaces. The plush roof-top restaurant will provide local cuisine from the best chefs trained by the Institute of Hotel Management Shillong.
Speaking to this correspondent, the Chief Executive Officer, Special Purpose Vehicle Society (SPVS) said that the project was outsourced to the Tourism Department which completed it one year. Dkhar said that the contractor, Tamdor Nadon, a local from the village has done a commendable job in record time. The project has created a ‘wow’ factor as it has been tastefully done and with attention to detail.
Addressing the gathering, former Nongwar Rangbah Shnong, K Diengdoh said that the village had aspired to start tourism projects since 1990. Some of the members had passed away while one Willington Uriah had donated land for a tourism project. The resort is built on land donated by the shnong.
Amos Wahlang the acting Rangbah Shnong stated that the shnong will be developing other viewpoints and tourism destinations so that livelihoods are created and the youth of the village do not leave and go to seek jobs in Shillong. The Dorbar Shnong also submitted a memorandum to MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem seeking his help to improve the approach roads to the tourist destinations.
The MLA stated that the best and most scenic places are located in Shella constituency and attempts are made to promote tourism.
“There are many projects that can be taken up by the Government but our biggest challenge is with land. Often when the implementation of a project has started, controversies arise and claimants create problems.” Synrem said.
Addressing the youth, Synrem said, “Be courteous and generous with tourists so that they go back with happy memories and promote our places through word of mouth. We have the potential to be a tourism destination and now the Prime Minister’s Swaraj Darshan Rs 32 crore project will also be implemented in stages.
We have to be careful however that tourism projects are built on land where the titles are clear and there are no controversies later.
Director of Tourism, Cyril V Diengdoh, while addressing the students and village elders present said that the area has a huge scope for experiential tourism hence it is important for the community to plan well and work with one mind.
“Tourism constitutes both the hardware and software. The rooms and facilities are the hardware but the culture and sensitivity of people and the courtesy with which they treat the tourists all are the software on which tourism flourishes. Diengdoh encouraged the youth to be entrepreneurs because government jobs are saturated.
Chief Secretary, DP Wahlang, who is also the Chairman of the SPV Committee, directed his speech at the students present at the function and told them that they should not be studying with the intent of getting a government job but to be job creators through entrepreneurship skills. “This resort is like a diamond in your possession. It is important to use it well, create a tourism circuit, plan out treks, and train tourist guides and chefs. We can send those of you who are keen to work in the tourism sector for training at the IHM Shillong. Tourists love organic food, and some love cycling and exploring new adventures. The Shnong should make a proper plan for all these activities,” Wahlang said stating that convergence between all the members of the Shnong and a collaborative community will tourism robust and sustainable.
Mr George Chacko, Director Lafarge Umiam Mining Private Ltd who has been the brain behind assistance to various projects in the surrounding villages was also present.
It may be reminded that the Supreme Court had in its ruling dated July 6, 2011, had directed that a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) be constituted for implementing and monitoring the various social welfare projects to be undertaken by the Company around the mining area.
Lafarge is to deposit with the SPV an amount of Rs. 90 per ton of minerals extracted by it. Over the years the SPV Society which is the implementing wing of the SPV, led by retired IAS officer, PS Dkhar and his team has implemented a host of projects from state of the art community halls, roads, footpaths, water supply system, a nursery for citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, etc. to stadia, football grounds, swimming pools, assistance to Primary Health Centres by way of equipments, school buildings and other accessories etc.
SPV Society is the apex implementing and coordinating organization for the integrated development of the areas affected by LUMPL on issues related to socio-economic, environmental, skill-based, and cultural development, infrastructure projects, financial assistance for education, and youth development & sports.
Students of Ramakrishna Mission, Nongwar performed a cultural dance while the local musicians entertained the visitors with their music and songs.
