The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has sanctioned Rs 700 crores for Meghalaya to promote and develop the tourism sector in the State, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said.
This was announced by the Chief Minster at a foundation stone laying ceremony for an eco resort of the Tourism Department at Sakal A.duma village under the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in West Garo Hills district today.
He said of the sanctioned amount, the government has earmarked Rs 350 crore each for the Khasi and Garo Hills regions.
Sangma said that the resort will be one of the best tourist resorts in the Northeast and said that an amount of Rs. 23 crores will be spent for the project with widely accepted design to be completed within a year.
Pointing out that the promotion and development of sustainable tourism involves the support of the local people, the chief minister said that the project will be the property of the people of the region.
He further informed that Water Reservoir Project to protect and preserve the rivers and streams and other water bodies will soon be implemented in the State.
Chief Adviser to the chief minister, Thomas A Sangma informed that the resort will have information centre which will be a centre of learning for the tourists and the researchers and urged the Agriculture and Veterinary departments to take up schemes in this region.
Government Chief Whip, Marcuise N Marak who spoke about promotion and development of tourism in the area, informed that the development of Rongram-Rongrenggre-Darugre road will soon be started thereby providing better road communication for the people of Rombagre, Rongsakgre, Samandagre and others.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh, Nokma of Sasatgre village and Tourist Officer, Ava Shereen Sangma were also present on the occasion.
