Luxurious resort in Sohra turns into white elephant
By Our Reporter
Shillong: A tourist spot such as Sohra which has the potential to attract tourists from all over the world is expected to be surrounded by good resorts and hotels but unfortunately a communication gap between the villagers and government officials has turned the available resorts into white elephants.
Sohra one of the wettest places on earth attracts tourists in large numbers especially during the summer season. But, it lacks accommodation for tourists to stay overnight and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
There have been many instances where good resorts were left unattended to. For instance, one luxurious resort in Sohra has turned into a white elephant due to the non-availability of electricity and water.
This resort has everything worth its name. Built at Mawblang locality in Sohra, it overlooks the majestic Nohsngithiang waterfalls also known as the ‘Seven Sisters’ waterfalls.
Set up at the behest of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and constructed by the Meghalaya Government Construction Corporation (MGCC), the total project cost for this resort is Rs 2.8 crore.
The resort consists of 12 cottages in three blocks, 2 luxury cottages, a banquet hall, a remodeled restaurant, an attractive gate, a ticket counter, black-topped approach road adequate parking, even the interiors are well designed and furnished to give the tourists a homely feel.
Citing reasons for the present condition of the resort, one department official on condition of anonymity blamed the local villagers for not granting permission to draw water from the village source.
However, village elders stated that the first effort made was done in an inappropriate manner.
It was only after the intervention of the present SDO (Civil) of Sohra Subdivision, James Suchiang that the village has given the go ahead for the PHE to take up the work.
Meanwhile, permission for electricity supply to the resort was not obtained before the start of the project. Electricity supply would have to be procured from the MeECL at the earliest so that the resort could be started.
With the availability of such resorts at Sohra, tourists can stay back rather than return to Shillong the same day. This could be a money spinner for the MTDC and the local population of Sohra who could benefit immensely from the spin-offs of tourism.