Shillong, Oct 3: Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira has said that the government will explore and develop new tourist destinations across Meghalaya, with Siju Cave in South Garo Hills among the priority sites.
Speaking to reporters, Shira said he has not finalised any specific area yet but is keen to tap into unexplored tourism potential. “Whatever tourist destinations have potential, let me try to explore and develop them. Take the case of Siju Cave — it is very famous, yet development has not taken place the way it should,” he said.
Shira recalled his visit to a cave in New Zealand, where authorities had constructed footpaths with steel frames and installed proper lighting, allowing tourists to explore the entire cave safely. “Even if a tourist wants to reach the end of Siju Cave, they have to cross a stream inside, which is difficult. But in New Zealand, tourists don’t even have to remove their shoes; they can enjoy the experience comfortably. That kind of development is needed here,” he added.
Before any development takes place, the minister assured that the government would conduct surveys.
