Shillong, Nov 1: Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia lauded Meghalaya’s community-based tourism model and its natural beauty, saying, “Nowhere else in the world do nature, culture, and community coexist in such harmony as they do here in Meghalaya. This harmony is the foundation of its growth.”
Scindia along with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and state Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira on Saturday laid the foundation for the Integrated Development of Sohra Tourism Circuit.
The Rs. 300 crore plus initiative is aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure and enhancing the visitor experience in one of Meghalaya’s most iconic destinations.
The project is funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Government of India, under the PM-DevINE Scheme, which focuses on accelerating development and promoting sustainable livelihoods across the Northeast.
Scindia said the Sohra Tourism Circuit will stand as a model for how development and environmental preservation can go hand in hand. “The beauty of Meghalaya is divine, and it is our responsibility to protect it. Tourism must empower, not exploit,” he said.
Referring to the projects being launched in Sohra, which include the development of Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Eco Park, Arwah and Mawsmai Cave precincts, Nohsngithiang Falls, Wah Kaba Falls, the Shella Riverside, and the Wah Kaliar Canyon viewpoint, he said these projects, are being developed under the PM-DevINE Scheme to transform Sohra into a model for sustainable and community-led tourism in the entire Northeast.
“These world-class projects will give Sohra a new identity — not just as a tourist destination but as a benchmark for responsible tourism across the country,” he said.
He emphasised that the Government of India’s commitment goes beyond tourism to also strengthening connectivity and infrastructure. “We are strengthening the arteries of progress. When our roads are strong, when airports connect our people, and when tourism infrastructure is world-class — that is when development truly reaches every home,” he said.
Praising the Meghalaya Government under Chief Minister Sangma, he said, “The passion and dedication of the Chief Minister and his team are visible in every initiative taken in this state. Meghalaya is not waiting for the future — it is building it.”
Scindia said that the Integrated Development of the Sohra Tourism Circuit reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make the Northeast a key pillar of India’s growth story.
He said the PM-DevINE Scheme was launched to ensure that the pace of development reaches every corner of the country, adding that the projects being launched in Sohra are not just about infrastructure but about transforming livelihoods and opportunities for local communities.
“The PM-DevINE initiative was launched to ensure that no corner of our country is left behind. Today’s foundation laying in Sohra is not just about building infrastructure; it is about building futures,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s focus on the Northeast, the Union Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the budgetary support for the region has increased from Rs. 36,000 crore in 2014 to over Rs. 1,00,000 crore today. He also informed that over Rs. 50,000 crore has been spent on rural road development and connectivity across the region.
He said that Sohra and Meghalaya stand to benefit immensely from these investments, which include road and air connectivity projects, as well as the Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway worth Rs. 22,680 crore that will pass close to Sohra.
“Connectivity and tourism are the twin engines of development in the Northeast,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Union Minister reaffirmed the Centre’s continued support to Meghalaya and the Northeast. “This is the decade of the Northeast. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed to transforming this region into a new engine of India’s growth,” he said.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for their vision and support towards the development of the Northeast and Meghalaya in particular. He described the occasion as a historic and memorable moment for Sohra and for the people of the state.
The Chief Minister lauded the Union Minister for his exceptional commitment to the region, noting that “many ministers visit the Northeast, but what makes Mr. Scindia’s visits different is the way he connects with the people, understands their problems, and works to find real solutions.”
He added, “It is that personal engagement and care which make all the difference we see today.”
He highlighted that the Sohra Tourism Circuit represents a landmark project under the PM-DevINE initiative. “This project is happening only because of the blessings, kindness, and large heart of our Hon’ble Minister, Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia. It is not just about developing one destination — it’s about realizing a vision to build world-class, sustainable tourist destinations across the country,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Sohra project — the first of its kind in India under this vision — would serve as a model for the rest of the country. “We are very lucky that this first project is being implemented here in Sohra, in Meghalaya,” he remarked.
Sangma described the initiative as a game changer for Sohra and for the state’s tourism sector, saying it would transform infrastructure, boost local livelihoods, and elevate Meghalaya’s image as a sustainable tourism destination.
“The number of tourists visiting Meghalaya is increasing every year, but our focus now is on improving the overall experience — from infrastructure to connectivity — so that visitors stay longer and spend more time in our communities,” he said.
The Chief Minister also spoke about future plans to enhance tourism infrastructure, including the upcoming airport project and proposed helicopter services between Shillong, Sohra, and other key destinations to improve accessibility.
“We are hopeful that all of this will come together to take Meghalaya’s tourism sector to new heights,” he said, assuring that the state government would ensure successful and timely implementation of the Sohra Tourism Circuit.
In closing, he expressed gratitude once again to the Ministry of DoNER and said, “This project will be one of the landmark developments for Sohra and a major step forward for our people. We will not let you down.”
In his address, Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira spoke about the shared vision of developing Sohra into a world-class destination that blends nature, culture, and innovation. “Our mission is to make Sohra a destination where people stay longer, explore deeper, and engage with local communities,” he said.
“These initiatives, along with growing private sector participation, are creating jobs, empowering youth, and strengthening the local economy,” he added.
Earlier, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil Ahammed highlighted Meghalaya’s progress in tourism, noting that with over 16 lakh annual visitors, it is time to diversify destinations, extend visitor stays, and promote clean and responsible tourism.
“We have the cleanest villages and rivers, and we must now become the cleanest destination,” he said.
