Land banks a threat to indigenous communities
Editor,
Public concerns about the potential misuse of land banks by politicians and business interests are valid, especially in regions where land is a sensitive issue. The fear that land banks could be used as a tool for land grabbing under the guise of development is something that many communities share. If land banks are introduced without strict regulations and transparency, there is a real risk that:
1. Local landowners would lose their rights – Innocent landowners might be pressured to lease out their land without fully understanding the long-term consequences.
2. Bypassing legal safeguards – If land is leased to outsiders, it could bypass local protections like the 6th Schedule, which safeguards indigenous rights.
3. Political Corruption – Politicians and their associates could manipulate the system to benefit themselves or their allies rather than the public.
4. Environmental and cultural impact – Large-scale projects might disrupt the local environment and cultural heritage, leading to loss of traditional ways of life.
5. Unequal economic benefits – The benefits of development may not reach local communities, with profits instead flowing to political and business elites.
If such a policy is being pushed forward, it would require strong opposition from indigenous communities, legal challenges, and public awareness campaigns.
Yours etc.,
D Challam,
Via email
Mawiong still deprived of basic water supply
Editor,
The people of Mawiong are still living in an age where access to water remains a struggle? The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched by the Prime Minister of India in 2019, aims to provide tap water connections and clean drinking water to every rural household. While official reports claim that around 81% of rural households in Meghalaya have been covered, the situation in Mawiong tells a different story.
Many areas in Mawiong still lack access to water connections. The responsibility of the Public Health Engineering Department to ensure timely implementation has not been fulfilled. While challenges exist, delays should not be an excuse. The residents of Mawiong, many of whom have lived here for 10 to 15 years, continue to depend on rainwater harvesting or carry water from distant sources. Previously, drilling for water was permitted, but even that option is no longer available.
It is unacceptable that in this modern era, the people of Mawiong remain deprived of such a basic necessity. I urge the authorities to accelerate the work and fulfil their commitment to provide clean water to every household in Mawiong without further delay.
Yours etc.,
B. Laitphlang,
Via email
Growth of the creative economy
Editor,
I read with interest the special article “Concert Economy – India is the new kid in the block- Are we ready? (ST February 11, 2025) by Bahunlang Pde. Pde has brought to fore and quoted a study done by the Bank of Baroda on how a Rupee on a concert ticket translates to four or five rupees in additional economic activity. This in economics is referred to as a multiplier effect. This occurs when an initial amount of spending leads to an increase in economic activity greater than the initial expenditure which many online and offline critics do not know due to lack of knowledge on economics. In this context, money spent on concert tickets generates additional spending in related sectors, such as hospitality, food, transportation and merchandise.
This ripple effect boosts the local economy and creates a larger economic impact than the original spending. Hence, the concert economy’s ability to generate additional economic activity demonstrates the multiplier effect at work. As physical and digital music sales decline, artist and industry professionals are increasingly relying on live events to generate income. This trend contributes to economic growth through tickets sales, local market development and increased spending on accommodation, food and transportation. India is emerging as a key player.
High-profile concerts by international artists like Coldplay and Taylor Swift have demonstrated the potential for substantial revenue generation and economic impact. The prospects for the concert economy in India are quite promising! With a young, music loving audience and increasing disposable incomes, the demand for live concerts is on the rise. The sector is projected to grow significantly, with the live events industry valued at Rs 88 billion in 2023 and expected to reach Rs 143 billion by 2026, growing at an impressive 17.6 percent annually.
According to PWC, the live music market is expected to reach $245.5 million by 2028. In 2024, India hosted 30,687 live events across 391 cities marking an 18 percent increase in live entertainment. This growth is not limited to metropolitan areas; tier-2 cities like Kanpur, Shillong and Gandhinagar have seen a staggering 682% rise in live events. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the immense potential of India’s concert economy, noting that high-profile concerts by international artists like Coldplay and Taylor Swift have demonstrated the economic benefits of live events.
These concerts not only boost tourism but also create numerous jobs in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, food and beverages, and event management. The government and private sector are focussing on developing the necessary infrastructure and skills to attract more global artists and elevate India’s live entertainment scene. This includes improving event management, artist grooming, security and other arrangements.
The prospects for the concert economy in Meghalaya are quite promising. The state has been a trendsetter in organizing live music events, dating back to the early 2000s. This early adoption has positioned Meghalaya as a key player in the concert economy, attracting both local and international artists. For instance, the upcoming Ed Sheeran concert in Shillong on February 12, 2025, is expected to draw over 27,000 attendees, with a significant portion coming from outside the state. This event highlights the growing appeal of Meghalaya as a destination for high-profile concerts. The state government, along with private sector partners, is focused on developing the necessary infrastructure and skills to host more such events. This includes ensuring smooth logistics, traffic management, and overall seamless execution of concerts.
Another important aspect that the author has pinpointed is Conference Tourism which refers to travel undertaken by individuals or groups to attend conferences, conventions or meetings. This type of tourism involves participants traveling to a specific location to engage in professional, academic or industry related events. Conference tourism can significantly impact local economies by boosting hotel occupancy, restaurant patronage and other related services.
Given Meghalaya’s humid subtropical climate with heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon season, conference tourism does face some challenges. However, the state’s picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage and unique festivals make it an attractive destination for conferences and events. To mitigate climatic challenges, organizers often plan events during the drier months, typically from October to March. Additionally, the state government and private sector are working on improving infrastructure, such as better venues and accommodations, to support conference tourism. Overall, while the climate poses some challenges, Meghalaya’s natural beauty and cultural richness provide a strong foundation for developing conference tourism with proper planning and infrastructure.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh
Via email
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