Umiam Lake envisaged as an iconic ecotourism hub with a five-star hotel
SHILLONG, Dec 4: The Ministry of Tourism has announced two major projects aimed at transforming Meghalaya into a tourist destination — the development of Umiam Lake as an iconic ecotourism hub and the creation of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure at Mawkhanu, New Shillong.
Officials said these two projects have been undertaken to develop a craft village, haat, food court, and allied infrastructure at Umiam, create an alternate travel destination, and address the decongestion of Shillong.
With an estimated cost of Rs 99.27 crore, the project titled “Development of Umiam Lake as an Iconic Tourist Centre” envisions creating diverse spaces for recreation, education, and entertainment, particularly catering to families, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. The central government seeks to place Umiam Lake among India’s iconic ecotourism destinations.
The development of Umiam Lake as an iconic tourist centre will include the construction of a craft village, food court, and other supporting infrastructure.
This project aims to enhance the lake’s appeal as a major ecotourism site, offering visitors a range of experiences in a picturesque natural setting.
It is expected to generate more than 1,300 jobs and attract public-private partnership (PPP) investment for four projects worth Rs 400 crore, including a music centre and academy, glamping facilities, a visitor centre, and hotels run by the Taj Group.
Given the growth in urban population, coupled with the surge in the floating population, Shillong experiences severe congestion and stress on the resources, especially at the time of tourist events. The increasing demand has resulted in overburdened infrastructure, especially in the case of mobility and reduced land availability.
The proposed development of an iconic tourism destination at Mawkhanu aims to address critical needs in Meghalaya’s tourism landscape by redistributing visitor traffic away from the congested city of Shillong. As the main entry point for tourists, Shillong’s infrastructure is under significant strain from high volumes of visitors.
Mawkhanu, located 25-30 minutes from the airport and within the New Shillong Township, presents an ideal alternative destination, combining urban amenities with natural experiences, as a strategic response to the pressing need for large-scale public spaces in Shillong.
The project aims to develop trails, pathways and broadways, internal connectivity, an interactive cultural display, a sculpture park, a public plaza, nature play, a multi-purpose ground, a festival ground, an amphitheatre, signage, etc., to create an alternate destination and address the decongestion of the capital city.
