Tourism operators and hoteliers in the State have decided to strongly oppose any move by the State government to set up the proposed hydroelectric dam at Umngot river even as they said that the project could have adverse effect on tourism in the State.
A meeting of representatives from Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF), Federation of Shillong Hotels (FOSH), Tour Operators’ Association of Meghalaya (TOAM), Tour Guides Association of Meghalaya (TGAM), Transport Association of Meghalaya (TAM) and tourism societies from Shnongpdeng, Darrang and Dawki met recently to discuss on the proposed power project at Umngot river.
The meeting unanimously decided to oppose the proposed power project and also extended its support to the groups that have spearheaded the campaign against the project.
All the representatives of different tourism associations concurred that the villages all along the stretch of Umngot river have become one of the important tourism itineraries responsible for the significant increase of tourist inflow to Meghalaya especially during winter season and making the State an all-season tourist destination.
They also felt that construction of a dam for the power project at Umngot would have detrimental effects downstream and deteriorate the crystal clear nature of the river which is known all over India and the world.
“Subsequently, the economic livelihood of the local rural populace directly and indirectly in the form of guest house owners, camping operators, boatmen, guides, transporters and eateries shall be adversely impacted if their nascent rural tourism industry is decimated,” the meeting said.
Appreciating the recent decision by the State government to scrap the Umngot power project, the meeting also said that it would not accept any future discussions on power projects on Umngot river.
All those who attended the meeting also thanked the State government for its decision to restart tourism in the State again since it was vital to balance between health and livelihood especially in view of the long closure of tourism that has resulted in extreme financial difficulties.
Calling for peace and tranquillity in the State, they also said that tourism should be kept completely free from law and order problems.
