Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today announced that tourism infrastructure will be built at around 50 different locations in the State over the next five years.
Presenting the budget today in the House, Sangma said tourism is a sector that has the potential to generate employment on a large scale and accordingly two major ecotourism projects are being implemented at Rs 1,450 crore.
Pointing out that Sohra is one of Meghalaya globally recognised brands that even the Union Home Minister has taken special interest in eco-restoration and afforestation of the Sohra plateau, Sangma informed the government has got the approval for a comprehensive project for the eco-restoration and tourism development at Sohra and adjoining areas at a cost of Rs 1,125 crore over a five-year period. The implementation of the project will begin in 2022-23, he added.
Sangma also announced that helicopter services would be an efficient mode of travel, especially for the tourists and hence these services will be made operational on new routes to Williamnagar, Dawki and Sohra.
Stating that transportation is key for the tourism sector, the chief minister also said that the government will launch a new programme to induct 200 luxury tourist vehicles. A 50 per cent subsidy will be provided to entrepreneurs who will be owning and operating these vehicles, he added.
The State will also launch electric buses and e-buggies at the major tourist attractions to enhance the ease of movement of tourists and to promote low-impact tourism, he announced.
The chief minister also informed that hospitality complexes including high-value accommodation units shall be built at Sohra (East Khasi Hills), Nokrek (West Garo Hills), Mawlyndep (Ri-Bhoi), Siju (South Garo Hills), Nongkhnum (West Khasi Hills), Thadlaskein (West Jaintia Hills), and Dalmagre (South West Garo Hills).
He said the State government has also launched the program for construction of home stays. Under this innovative programme, individuals are being provided a subsidy of up to 70 per cent for constructing home stays costing upto Rs 10 lakh.
“We are covering 100 home stays in the current financial year and will be targeting 1,000 home stays for 2022-23. For this important intervention, I am allocating an amount of Rs 10 crore,” he added.
The process of obtaining clearances for the Shillong Peak Ropeway are at an advanced stage and the government expects the construction to commence during 2022-23 at a cost of 116 crore, he announced.
