Shillong, June 14: Meghalaya is all set to experiment with new innovations to redraw the state’s — and the country’s — tourism map. Leading the way is chief minister D.D. Lapang, who recently unveiled plans that promise to add a new dimension to the hamstrung tourism sector in the state and bring it back on track.
“We want to start off with a number of projects. We want to make Umroi (near Barapani) Park look like the Brindavan Gardens with cable cars. A water sports centre would be set up in the Umiam lake for tourists,” the Meghalaya chief minister said.
“All this will happen in record time,” he promised. Lapang has also been toying with the idea of starting an amusement park on the lines of Mumbai’s Esselworld near Umroi.
Lapang has also evinced keen interest in starting a ropeway service, which will pass over the breathtaking Umiam Lake and connect Shillong with Ri Bhoi district.
Some parts of the Garo Hills, specially South and West Garo Hills, have been identified as potential areas for launching “innovative ventures” like ropeways and ecotourism. For now, Lapang is concentrating on Umroi. Those close to the chief minister feel that his affinity to his “own political constituency” is natural.
But Lapang thinks differently. “We must begin somewhere and then expand. This is just the beginning and we must think big. We have to open up our doors and not confine ourselves inside closed rooms,” he said.
A paying guest system is also in the offing for tourists in Cherrapunjee and far-flung areas. “In many areas, there are not enough hotels and restaurants. So we are exploring the possibilities of new schemes, such as short stay for tourists as paying guests, making the experience very different and enriching,” he said, pledging financial back-up from his government.