By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 14: In a bid to monetise the state’s iconic landscapes through technology, the Meghalaya government has launched ‘Explore Meghalaya 360°’ in Sohra, deploying locally-piloted drones to provide tourists with high-definition aerial keepsakes of Nohkalikai and Eco Park.
The initiative was flagged off by Robert Lyngdoh, Chief Administrative Officer of Meghalayan Age Limited, a state-owned special purpose vehicle. Under the programme, visitors can obtain personalised aerial videos of their visit, with the footage delivered directly to their mobile devices.
A central objective of the project is the creation of skill-based employment. The drones are operated by local youth who have undergone specialized training by the State GIS and UAV Centre. By placing technology in the hands of the community, the government aims to ensure that the economic benefits of high-tech tourism remain within the Khasi Hills.
This roll-out marks a shift toward integrating unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology into the state’s tourism infrastructure, balancing modern visitor demands with local workforce participation.
