By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 28: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Thursday cautioned that restricting the entry of vehicles from outside the state could trigger a backlash in Assam, affecting the movement of the people of Meghalaya to the airport in Guwahati, railway stations, and hospitals.
Asking the state’s tourist taxi associations whether they would take responsibility for such a fallout, he said a committee headed by Cyril V.D. Diengdoh is in place to address their grievances. He urged the associations to pursue a resolution through this panel rather than escalate tensions.
“What if the neighbouring states pose problems? Will the taxi associations take the responsibility if Meghalayans are stopped from going to airports, railway stations, and hospitals?” Lyngdoh asked, making it clear that the issue cannot be reduced to narrow interests.
His question was apparently directed at the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association, whose members staged a protest at the Khyndai Lad junction, demanding restrictions on tourist vehicles from other states to boost local business.
He said the demand of the taxi associations to let fewer vehicles from outside in was intricate and complex. “This is why the department organised a stakeholders’ meeting about four months ago. Leaders of the tourist taxi associations participated and expressed their feelings, following which the Chief Minister constituted a committee with Diengdoh as its chairman,” he added.
Lyngdoh said Diengdoh has had several rounds of discussions with the tourism stakeholders, including the taxi operators.
He said the Prime Vehicle Scheme underlines the state government and the Tourism Department’s policy of helping locals derive the maximum benefits from tourism. The Centre funds 80% of the scheme, while the rest is in soft loans through banks.
The minister said the scheme would be expanded. “I have had meetings with the Commissioner and Secretary. In a few days, we will reopen the Tourism Department portal for 100 more top-notch Prime Vehicles,” he said.
Lyngdoh said the committee is trying to work out a system where tourists can use locally owned vehicles after reaching their places of accommodation.
He underlined that the conflict arises from growth. “All these years, you didn’t hear such demands, because tourism activities were minimal. Now, with the sector growing, more and more people want to reap the benefits,” he stated.