By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 2: As many as 240 tourism projects worth Rs 3,900 crore are currently underway in the state, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced on Tuesday, while stressing that community participation is vital to realising the government’s “Billion Dollar economy” vision.
Sangma was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the San Shnong Youth Welfare Organisation (SSYWO), which successfully manages Elephant Falls. Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira was also present.
Congratulating SSYWO on achieving 25 years of successful management, Sangma said the organization was an example of what can be achieved when communities unite for a common purpose.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to the tourism sector as a crucial area for sustainability and transformation. He added that the state’s “greatest strength is our communities.”
Sangma advocated for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, combining community engagement with government funding to “unlock the sustainable economic potential that the state has.”
“The government comes in, funds and creates the assets and gives it back to you to run and operate it, and I hope we can work this model with SSYWO,” he said, citing successful partnerships already established across the state.
Addressing a concern raised by SSYWO, the Chief Minister confirmed that constructing clean toilets at tourist destinations is a top priority. He informed the gathering that a new toilet facility for Elephant Falls, funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), is already planned. He called for a mission-mode approach to ensuring well-maintained toilets across all public places, including schools, health centers, and offices.
Minister Shira also commended SSYWO’s work managing Elephant Falls and carrying out welfare activities, assuring the organisation of continued government support.
The chief minister felicitated the founding members of the SSYWO during the occasion. Twenty-five years ago, youth from five villages formed SSYWO to transform Elephant Falls from a site of nefarious activity into an iconic tourist destination. At present, the SSYWO successfully manages the site and carries out relief and welfare activities for women and youth in the area.
