Meghalaya secures Rs 199 Crore to Revolutionize Tourism Infrastructure

SHILLONG: Meghalaya made a huge leap in terms of enhancing its tourism industry, with the Union Finance Ministry approving Rs 199 crore through the "Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale" initiative.

The state will see the implementation of two transformational projects focused on positioning it as the top tourist destination globally.

The funds have been sanctioned for the redevelopment of Umiam Lake and the iconic tourist destination at Mawkhanu in the East Khasi Hills district. Both the projects have been sanctioned with Rs 99.27 crore each. The redevelopment of Umiam Lake, one of the popular tourist destinations, would aim to upgrade its natural charm with eco-friendly infrastructure and advanced amenities.

Similarly, the Mawkhanu project will demonstrate Meghalaya's rich cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty through modern facilities and innovative attractions, making it a destination unique to visitors. Meghalaya has emerged as one of the top five beneficiaries of the scheme, with Rs 198.5 crore being allocated to it out of the total allocation of Rs 3,295.76 crore for 23 states.

This is a commendable performance for the state, leaving other Northeastern states behind, except Assam, and many bigger states in the country. This marks the confidence of the central government in Meghalaya as a prime player in the tourism landscape of India.

The initiative aims to establish a world-class tourism infrastructure along with sustainable economic development. The project projects iconic tourist sites, which will attract more visitors, create employment opportunities, and boost the local economy, taking long-term growth for the state to the road.

The development has been widely welcomed with great pride. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in its official X handle, reported that "Meghalaya, under CM Conrad K. Sangma, became the only other Northeastern state to secure more than ₹100 crore sanctions, and it is sure to help build world-class tourist infrastructure in the state".

This will give Meghalaya a much-needed impetus to transform its tourism sector by exploiting its natural beauty and cultural richness. These projects will act as benchmarks for sustainable tourism development in the region, making Meghalaya a must-visit destination on the world map.

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