Eco-tourism set for a boost in Sohra
By Lamphrang Nongspung
SOHRA: Sohra or Cherrapunjee is likely to witness a multiplied number of tourists in the coming years with a plan to promote the concept of eco-tourism in the “wettest place on earth.”
Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Saturday announced the plan to further boost tourism in Sohra by promoting various destinations as eco-tourism spots.
“We have decided to allocate Rs 16 crore for this purpose in this fiscal,” the Chief Minister said while inaugurating a Commerce stream in St John Bosco Higher Secondary School in Sohra.
Prospective local entrepreneurs will get financial assistance for taking up ventures to boost eco-tourism under this ambitious programme, he said.
Wayside amenities, household resorts are some of the few ventures, which would help develop the tourism infrastructure in Sohra, likely to get financial assistance under the scheme.
“Sohra that houses some of world’s best tourist spots and landscapes is the best place to be promoted for eco-tourism,” Dr Sangma said.
The tourist flow would increase and they would tend to stay longer once tourism infrastructure is developed, which would boost the State’s revenue generation considerably, he said.
“It would also help create sustainable employment and bring about sustainable income generation for the local people,” the Chief Minister said.
He also suggested St John Bosco Higher Secondary School to introduce tourism-related courses.
Education Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, PHE Minister Prestone Tynsong, MTDC Chairman Ronnie V Lyngdoh and local MLA and Parliamentary Secretary Tourism Dr PW Khongjee also attended the function.
Source: The Shillong Times
