Meghalaya to manage visitors with sustainable tourism motto

Shillong: Meghalaya will manage the footfall of tourists visiting the tourist sites in accordance with the global practices as part of its endeavour to become the country’s best and most sustainable tourist destination. This was stated by chief minister (CM) Conrad K Sangma during his budget speech made in the assembly on Wednesday.
CM Sangma said, “We are strategising a plan to notify eco-tourism zones with defined carrying capacities and will charge a higher green fee from visitors.The revenue generated would be disbursed equitably among the communities involved. I am allocating Rs 50 crore for the 2024-25 financial year to set up adequate infrastructure at the notified zones.”
The annual tourist footfall recorded in the present financial year till date is 13.81 lakh, which is 1.1 lakh more than that reported during the pre-pandemic days, he revealed.
“I am committing an investment of Rs 200 crore for new tourism circuits with bases at Umling in Ri Bhoi, Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills, Doldegre in West Garo Hills, Sohiong in East Khasi Hills, Syntung in East Khasi Hills, Mairang in Eastern West Khasi Hills, Resubelpara in North Garo Hills, Wari Chora in South Garo Hills, Umden in Ri Bhoi, besides Nongstoin and Mawphanlur in West Khasi Hills,” he announced.
An additional Rs 150 crore investment would be made in the Meghalayan Age Experiential Centre at Mawmluh in East Khasi Hills, development of the tribal heritage centre in Mandalgre in East Garo Hills, the geology museum at Nongnah in South West Khasi Hills, and the development of Umngot riverfront at Shnongpdeng, Darrang, and Dawki in West Jaintia Hills, the CM said.
The CM stated, “With the rising number of tourists, nearly 3,000 additional high-value rooms are needed, translating into a requirement of five-star hotels and other premium properties. It is expected that the new hotels would be built in Shillong, New Shillong, Umiam, Sohra, and Tura by the private sector.”