Shillong, Jun 24: In a move to push community-led tourism in South West Garo Hills, the management of the Tourist Facilitation Centre at Katta Beel was handed over to the Katta Beel Fishery Cooperative Society on Wednesday.
The centre, built under the Ministry of Tourism’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme, will now be run and maintained by the local fishery cooperative. Officials said the shift puts tourism assets directly in the hands of the community, aiming to create sustainable livelihoods for residents around Katta Beel.
Mahendraganj MLA Sanjay A. Sangma, who handed over the key and certificate to the society, said the success of such facilities depends on local ownership. “Preserving and effectively using tourism assets is key for sustainable development. The cooperative must ensure the centre is maintained well so it benefits the whole region,” Sangma said.
Deputy Commissioner Anendya Raajshree, said community involvement is crucial to keep government-built tourism infrastructure viable in the long run. “When locals manage these assets, they have a direct stake in tourism growth,” she noted.
The handover ceremony was attended by Zikzak BDO Torali K. Marak, Tourist Officer Collin Jeffrey Ch. Marak, members of the cooperative society, and local residents.
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme aims to develop integrated tourism infrastructure across the country. With the Katta Beel facility now under local management, the district administration expects better visitor services and new income avenues for the fishing community.
