CM inaugurates new sailing yacht
From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, June 4: In a major step to enhance Meghalaya’s tourism and water sports sectors, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday officially inaugurated a new sailing yacht christened ‘Meghalinor’ at the scenic Umiam Lake.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Commissioner and Secretary of the Tourism Department Dr Vijay Kumar D, and Director of Tourism Cyril VD Diengdoh, along with athletes from sailing, rowing, and kayaking disciplines. Several dignitaries and government officials were also present at the event.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh expressed optimism that Meghalinor would mark a new chapter in water-based tourism in Meghalaya. He said the yacht would not only attract tourists to Umiam Lake but also serve as a launchpad for more such ventures. He further revealed that the state government plans to introduce a luxury cruise vessel at Umiam, with a seating capacity of 140 to 150 passengers.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma highlighted the government’s integrated approach in promoting tourism and sports to generate employment and provide livelihood opportunities for the youth.
“This event reflects how tourism and sports can work in synergy to create larger impacts than either could achieve independently,” Sangma said. “We are planning several initiatives that target young people, who make up nearly 50% of Meghalaya’s population. With over 18 lakh youth in the state, it is crucial that our decisions revolve around their future.”
Sangma underscored the government’s efforts to unlock the full tourism potential of Umiam Lake, which he described as underutilised. He announced plans for developing high-end resorts in the area, which he believes could become among the best in the eastern region or even the country. The process to identify developers is underway and construction could begin within the next few months.
Further, he outlined an ambitious plan to establish seaplane connectivity linking major tourist destinations across Northeast India, such as Kaziranga in Assam, to create a seamless travel circuit. “Tourists should be able to travel across Northeast without having to book separately for each state. We want to market the region as a single, unified destination,” he added.
In his speech, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh offered a cultural and mythological context to the name Meghalinor. Derived from the fusion of “Meghalaya” and “Valinor”—the latter symbolizing a divine and enchanted realm—the name aims to evoke a mystical experience for tourists.
“Umiam Lake is not just a body of water—it is deeply rooted in our oral traditions,” Lyngdoh said. “According to Khasi folklore, Umiam is one of nine rivers originating from Shillong Peak, believed to be a sacred site. With this initiative, we merge the mystique of Umiam with the divine essence of Valinor to offer an ethereal journey.”
He announced that the government is taking over nearly 300 acres of land from the Forest Department—including the Nehru Park area—to expand tourism infrastructure around the lake. “In the next one year, we expect to launch the Umiam Cruise Service. These efforts aim to enhance the overall experience for both visitors and locals,” Lyngdoh added.