Events to phase out of Ward’s Lake as restoration advances: Tourism dept
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 27: The Tourism Department announced on Monday that commercial and event-based activities at Ward’s Lake are temporary measures, set to phase out gradually as restoration efforts advance and alternative venues become operational.
The clarification comes amid mounting resentment from citizens, especially former bureaucrats, over the growing misuse and commercialisation of the iconic landmark by the state government in the name of promoting tourism and festivals.
Tourism Director Brenda Lee Pakyntein explained that her department, working closely with the Urban Affairs department, has kicked off a major beautification and restoration project. This includes targeted improvements to water quality, all designed with deep respect for the lake’s heritage identity—its famed tranquility, lush surroundings, and rich history.
“At present, we are constrained by the lack of adequate infrastructure to host government-supported events elsewhere. Ward’s Lake is under our custody and a formal SOP will guide future use of the site,” she said.
The project takes a conservation-first approach, boosting visitor amenities and visual appeal without compromising the site’s natural or heritage essence. Rather than wholesale replacements, it focuses on harmonious, low-impact upgrades to blend seamlessly with the environment.
Plans call for revamping the main gate and the GS Road entry to ease access and movement. The pathway along the dam, next to the botanical garden, will gain engaging storytelling features. A recreational pontoon bridge is in the works, alongside thoughtful renovations to the cafeteria, greenhouse, boating house, and the beloved wooden bridge—restored to honour its iconic charm.
An exhibition centre and craft shops will spotlight local culture, while enhanced pathways, seating, lighting, and a new pedestrian link from the DC Office promise safer, more comfortable visits.
Stressing that environmental protection sits at the core of the redevelopment plan, Pakyntein assured that no trees will fall while existing structures will be retained and renovated, minimising any landscape disruption.
Once the Urban Affairs department’s Wahumkhrah Riverfront project wraps up, events and crowds will shift there, letting the lake reclaim its peaceful role. This fits into wider ambitions like tourist circuits and dedicated event spaces in New Shillong.
Pakyntein addressed worries about commercialisation head-on, pointing out how the lake bolsters local livelihoods amid surging crowds. Data reveals steady growth: 78,354 visitors in 2024, jumping to 2,14,494 in 2025, and 1,06,558 already in 2026. Since spot ticketing launched in July 2025, total footfall has hit 3,20,549, she revealed.
“This steady flow of visitors has allowed us to create meaningful opportunities for local entrepreneurs,” she noted. Nearly 105 of them have seized chances at events since last year’s Shillong Literary Fest. The department backed 80 at Haryana’s Surajkund Mela—where they sold every item—staged Culinary Cascade 2026 with local chef Ahmedaki Laloo, and teamed up on tobacco control campaigns.
To cut reliance on the lake, alternatives are rising fast. The Urban Affairs department is transforming land across from it into an entrepreneur market, with more from the Governor’s agricultural estate. Ahead lie the New Shillong parks, tourism hubs, and a community grant programme offering up to Rs 25 lakh—already aiding 20 groups, with 100 proposals pending.
Even now, activities stay tightly controlled in one section, kicking off at midday to safeguard those serene morning walks for regulars, Pakyntein said, reiterating the department’s position that priority is to balance livelihood promotion with conservation, while transitioning towards preserving Ward’s Lake primarily as a heritage and leisure destination.
