SHILLONG, June 17: In a bid to uplift the tourism scenario in the state, the Chitmang Chaiwat Nature-Based Glamping Project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at Badri Rongdong village in South Garo Hills on Tuesday.
Under the Chitmang Chaiwat Eco-Tourism Project, a 21.48-hectare land, previously scarred by unsustainable practices, has been transformed into a thriving eco-tourism destination. The project has achieved remarkable milestones, including water security and tourism infrastructure development, ecological restoration, and livelihood generation for local families.
The project has been elevated with the development of a Tourist Cabin Complex, featuring traditional Garo-style cabins and eco-friendly PVC dome tents. The complex is expected to create jobs, promote local economic growth, and showcase Meghalaya’s natural beauty.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister stated that projects like Chitmang Chaiwat demonstrate the government’s endeavour to work in collaboration with different departments to boost tourism infrastructure in the state.
He expressed gratitude to the Soil Conservation Minister and the department, as well as the people of Chitmang Chaiwat, for ensuring the project’s completion.
He also thanked Cabinet Minister Marcuise N Marak for suggesting that the park be named after his late father, Purno Agitok Sangma. “We should be able to showcase our tourism potential to the rest of the country,” the CM said, lauding the efforts of all involved in the conservation and sustainable tourism project. He also emphasised the importance of balancing environment and development, highlighting the state’s commitment to sustainable growth.
The CM also announced that the foundation for an additional secretariat will be laid at Tura on June 19 and showcase the architectural drawings to the people, and also showcased projects to develop Wari Chora — a tourist site in South Garo Hills — and Siju Cave and Mandalgre tourist site in East Garo Hills.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Cabinet Ministers Marcuise Marak, Rakkam Sangma and AT Mondal, along with MLAs Kartus Sangma, Pongseng Marak, Sangma Sangma, and Jim Sangma.
