SHILLONG, Aug 28: Meghalaya’s tourism sector is set to receive a massive boost with the state securing over Rs 1,540 crore in funding for various infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing its appeal as a prime tourist destination.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh announced the financial allocations, during a short-duration discussion in the Assembly on Wednesday.
“One of the key initiatives in this regard is the implementation of the Meghalaya Eco Tourism Infrastructure Development project, an Externally Aided Project under the New Development Bank, with a budget of Rs 730 crore. This project aims to create iconic infrastructure at key tourist destinations such as Sohra, Shillong, and Tura,” Lyngdoh said.
In addition to this, the state has secured Rs 60.29 crore under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme for the development of the Meghalayan Age Cave Experience and Waterfall Trails in Sohra.
“Further, we have also received funding from the Ministry of Tourism amounting to Rs 750 crore under the Challenge-Based Destination Development, a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0,” Lyngdoh added.
Participating in the short-hour discussion, the Opposition urged the government to address the concerns of taxi drivers and various associations to prevent further incidents affecting tourists visiting the state.
Referring to the incident where members of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front prevented Assam-registered vehicles from entering popular tourist destinations such as Sohra and Dawki, UDP legislator Mayralborn Syiem emphasised the potential negative impact of such actions on tourism. He suggested that the government consider implementing an outer state tourist vehicle tax, similar to that in Himachal Pradesh, to address these recurring issues.
Echoing similar concerns, Mawkyrwat legislator Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar stressed the importance of ensuring tourist safety while addressing unemployment by creating a favourable environment for tourism to thrive. He urged the government to consider the broader implications of banning vehicles from other states, which could have far-reaching consequences on the local economy.
In his response, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh condemned the incident and said the department took swift action and 10 people were arrested. He said a key meeting was held following the event, bringing together more than 420 stakeholders from the Khasi, Jaintia, and Ri-Bhoi districts.
“The meeting included representatives from the Tour Operators’ Association of Meghalaya, Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum, Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum, Tour Guides’ Association of Meghalaya, Federation of Shillong Hotels, tourist taxi associations, academic institutions, and traditional heads,” he said.
“During the consultation, several critical issues were discussed including the need for improved road, power, internet connectivity, sustainable waste management, marketing strategies, skilling, mindset change, protection of tourists from fraud, private vehicles plying as tourist cabs, etc,” Lyngdoh said.
“The stakeholders also emphasised the importance of collaboration among all parties to create a unique and positive experience for tourists as well as the need for all tourism stakeholders to come together in one platform,” he said.
He said the department has written to the SDOs of Sohra, Pynursla, and Amlarem to identify tourist destinations without mobile networks for necessary action.
Lyngdoh said the department is keen on enhancing tourist assistance by coordinating with the Home Police to introduce personnel serving as tourist police, first aid responders, tour guides, and tourist information providers.
The minister also informed the House that the Department of Tourism has instructed all deputy commissioners to prioritise tourist locations requiring immediate power interventions, which will be addressed under the CM’s Solar Mission.
