The state government is undertaking a series of major tourism developmental projects across Meghalaya, both alone and in collaboration with the central government and external partners.
The budgets of these amount to a whopping Rs 450 crore.
Highlighting efforts to attract more tourists, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh informed that works worth around Rs 5 crore have been tendered under the state scheme, with several projects already allotted.
Under the central government’s Swadesh Darshan programme, two projects have been sanctioned – one for Nartiang and another for Mawphlang village – with a combined budget of Rs 53 crore. The anticipated yet delayed Shillong ropeway project has also commenced on-ground, with an expected completion timeline of two years.
Further bolstering the state’s tourism and infrastructure landscape, Lyngdoh revealed that under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), projects worth Rs 276 crore have been sanctioned. This includes Rs 103 crore for the development of Mawkhanu in New Shillong and Rs 120 crore for the redevelopment of Umiam Lake and its surrounding areas.
The minister also confirmed that the Tourism Department will take over the maintenance and operations of Ward’s Lake from the Department of Forests and Environment, with the official handover scheduled for June.
In the cultural sphere, Lyngdoh was beaming over the near completion of a state-of-the-art museum at the State Central Library complex, which is set to be inaugurated in June. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the museum will showcase the culture, history and lifestyle of Meghalaya’s diverse communities, including a dedicated children’s section, a cafe and an old Assam-type house to enhance its aesthetic appeal.
To support the local film industry, the government is initiating work on two new cinema halls in Shillong. One appears to be the so-called black box theatre in the Lariti Complex, while another is planned at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, which will eventually be relocated to Brookside in Rilbong. Plans are also underway to set up cinema halls in Jowai and Tura within the current fiscal year, with other district headquarters to follow. Additionally, the Department is working to reclaim land at the Tribal Research Institute in Mawlai and aims to relocate the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp to New Shillong by year-end.
Work on the Tagore Museum, now handed over to the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), has begun with an estimated cost of Rs 14 crore. The project has been awarded to Pyrkhat Hinge.
Addressing delays in the museum’s completion, Lyngdoh said that aesthetics and inclusivity of the design had to be up to the mark and three site visits were conducted to ensure it is friendly to people with disabilities and rich in visual appeal.
On the question of modernising libraries, Lyngdoh confirmed that Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned for upgrading the State Central Library. The department is also collaborating with an NGO under the banner ‘Kali Kit Kot’ to promote reading through a mobile library.
Responding to concerns about the quality of local cinema, Lyngdoh highlighted Meghalaya’s pioneering role in launching a government-sponsored OTT platform, ‘Hello Meghalaya’, which showcases films, songs and music videos in Khasi, Pnar and Garo. The platform, he claimed, has garnered a global audience and reflects the state’s commitment to promoting its artistic and musical talents.
Concerning the ropeway project, Lyngdoh said, “One of the challenges was clearing trees, which required significant time due to the need for permissions and environmental clearances – a complex and sensitive process. However, we have successfully navigated those hurdles, and site clearing has now begun with work already underway. Additionally, there was a delay involving land at Lawsohtun that falls under the jurisdiction of the defence forces. Fortunately, discussions have been positive, and the project has officially commenced.”
