SHILLONG, May 2: The state government has expressed optimism about Meghalaya touching 20 lakh tourist arrivals this year, buoyed by infrastructure upgrades and new initiatives to enhance urban management and tourism services.
Upbeat about the Meghalaya’s growing prominence as a preferred travel destination, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Friday said, “We expect to touch 20 lakh visitors this year. Our tourism calendar will be released in the next two weeks, and we’re hopeful that with the increased attention, Meghalaya will see more visitors. Just yesterday, a parliamentary committee visited the state, and iconic figures like (Sachin) Tendulkar have visited as well. These visits help to showcase Meghalaya as a premier tourist destination.”
He also highlighted the progress of the government’s ‘Tourist Buddies’ initiative, designed to assist tourists at major locations.
“We are already in the process of recruiting 50 Tourist Buddies, starting with the state capital. We’ve advertised the positions, and these buddies will be stationed at key tourist locations such as Wards Lake, Golf Links, and Khyndai Lad,” Lyngdoh added.
Referring to the relocation of hawkers, the tourism minister confirmed that the construction of designated vending zones for street vendors has been completed and the process of relocating vendors is set to begin.
He also informed that the identification of vendors has already been finalised, although the exact timeline for the relocation will be determined by the Department of Urban Affairs.
“All works pertaining to the construction of the vending zones have been completed. The identification of the vendors has already been finalised,” Lyngdoh said, adding, “Since this matter falls under the Department of Urban Affairs, the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs will be able to provide a clearer timeline,” Lyngdoh said.
He revealed that Khyndai Lad (Police Bazaar) will be the first area to undergo transformation, aligning with the government’s long-cherished goal of turning it into a pedestrian-only zone. “I took up the matter with the SMB officials last month, and we should be able to see the changes starting with Khyndai Lad. We have always been focused on making this area a pedestrian zone, and that will be completed soon,” he explained.
Lyngdoh assured that around 200 vendors will be relocated to newly constructed zones equipped with basic amenities such as water, toilets and electricity, offering a more organised and hygienic environment for both vendors and visitors.
