By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 4: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, has expressed her admiration for Meghalaya’s matrilineal society while expressing her desire for women self-help groups (SHGs) from Odisha to learn more about Meghalaya’s unique societal structure.
Addressing the inaugural session of the first-ever Adventure Tourism Conclave, which was held at the State Convention Centre here on Friday, Parida said, “I must thank all the peoples of Meghalaya for giving such respect to women.”
The deputy chief minister also informed that she is contemplating a collaboration between women SHGs from Odisha and Meghalaya, particularly in the field of handicrafts.
Parida then spoke of potential cultural exchange programmes between the two states and highlighted her excitement about Meghalaya’s tourism potential, particularly in adventure tourism.
She expressed a keen interest in visiting Mawlynnong, famously known as Asia’s cleanest village. “I was amazed to learn how the people of the village are able to maintain the cleanliness of the village,” Parida said.
She also shared her plans to visit Sohra and explore its famous caves during her maiden trip to Meghalaya.
Reflecting on tourism development in her own state, Parida mentioned Odisha’s growing focus on adventure tourism, despite her government being just four months old.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, praised the Adventure Tourism Conclave as a platform to showcase the state’s tourism potential.
He also mentioned future collaborations with the Odisha government to promote tourism in both regions.
Emphasising Meghalaya’s appeal for adventure tourists, with its hills, valleys and caves attracting visitors, Lyngdoh revealed plans to declare the David Scott trail a heritage site and to develop the Sohra trails, linking various villages, which will provide immersive experiences for tourists.
The tender process for these projects, the tourism minister informed, will begin soon.