Tourism's Impact on Meghalaya's Growth Highlighted by Union Minister

Union Minister Emphasizes Tourism's Role in Meghalaya

Shillong, June 11: Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, underscored the significant contribution of tourism to Meghalaya's development during a press conference in Shillong on Tuesday.

During his address, Sonowal reflected on the substantial accomplishments of the Narendra Modi administration over the past 11 years, emphasizing the delivery of 'unprecedented welfare benefits' to various segments of society.

He noted that Meghalaya has become a favored destination for tourists, both domestic and international, due to its stunning natural landscapes. 'We must focus on sustainable development by leveraging the vast potential within the tourism industry,' he stated.

Sonowal mentioned that the central government is keen on furthering the growth of this sector, having allocated Rs 244 crore under the Swadesh Darshan scheme to support eco-friendly tourism projects throughout the state.

The government is also prioritizing the development of cultural and spiritual tourism sites, including Nartiang and the sacred groves of Mawphlang. Other attractions being enhanced include Umiam Lake, Sohpetbneng Peak, Krang Suri Falls, Siju Caves, and the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.

He highlighted that Meghalaya has experienced a 105 percent increase in Central grants-in-aid, which has facilitated advancements in both infrastructure and social sectors.

Key initiatives include the Rs 22,864 crore Greenfield High-Speed Corridor connecting Mawlyngkhung and Panchgram, along with the construction of over 540 kilometers of national highways.

Additionally, welfare programs such as post-matric scholarships for over 76,000 students from SC, ST, and OBC communities, along with the distribution of Rs 2,331 crore in MUDRA loans, have significantly contributed to the socio-economic upliftment of the state.