By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 17: As part of broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and tourism potential in Meghalaya’s iconic Sohra region, work has officially begun on the construction and metalling of the road stretch from Sa-I-Mika Park to Nohkalikai Falls.
The 2.475-km project, funded under the Special Plan Assistance, was formally inaugurated by NPP MLA Gavin M Mylliem.
The Sohra legislator described the initiative as a crucial step towards improving connectivity and managing the growing tourist traffic in the area. “This key project will not only boost local tourism and connectivity but also help ease traffic congestion along one of Sohra’s most popular routes,” he said, adding that such interventions are necessary given the increasing visitor footfall to sites like Nohkalikai Falls.
The stretch from Sa-I-Mika Park to Nohkalikai often sees traffic snarls, particularly during the peak tourist season, with narrow roads and limited parking infrastructure adding to the bottleneck. The improved road is expected to reduce travel time and offer safer passage for both locals and tourists.
Acknowledging the coordination involved in getting the project off the ground, Mylliem expressed gratitude to the Public Works Department (PWD), local administrative bodies such as Hima Sohra and the Dorbar Khliehshnong and other stakeholders who lent their support to the initiative.
He also noted the role of Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of PWD, Prestone Tynsong, in facilitating the necessary clearances and administrative backing.
It may be mentioned that the development is part of a wider push by the government to upgrade road connectivity across key tourist circuits in the state, especially in East Khasi Hills, where natural landmarks attract high volumes of both domestic and international tourists. However, concerns remain over the pace and sustainability of such tourism-centric development, especially in ecologically sensitive zones.
Locals and tour operators in Sohra have frequently pointed out the need for more holistic planning, including waste management and crowd regulation, alongside road projects to ensure that the region’s fragile environment is not overwhelmed by infrastructure expansion.
As construction begins on this latest project, it remains to be seen how effectively it can balance the dual objectives of promoting tourism and preserving the natural and cultural fabric of Sohra.