Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 419/14

CHIEF MINISTER SUBMIT MEMORANDUM TO UNION HOME MINISTER

Dr. Mukul M Sangma, Chief Minister met Shri. Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister on 15.10.2014 in New Delhi and handed over Memorandum to the Government of India for Financial Assistance for Repair/Restoration of Properties and Infrastructure Damaged by Flood/Landslide in September 2014

Due to recent flash floods and landslides in the State, Meghalaya suffered from extremely causing immense damage to the life and properties of the people of the State. As the State is not in a position to meet the financial requirements for rebuilding the lives of affected people and their infrastructure, hence a memorandum for financial assistance is submitted to the Government of India.

The extent of damage to houses, crops and public properties is estimated around Rs. 1550 Crore. Total of 1659 number of villages in the State were affected by the flash floods and landslides. Over 10,000 houses are reported to be damaged. About 16,000 Hactares of cropped area is reported to be damaged. About 8200 Hectares of agricultural land needs to be de-silted. Over 2500 fish ponds are damaged. Critical Infrastructure, particularly Roads and Bridges, Irrigation, Water Supply and Power, suffered huge losses. The State has requested financial assistance of Rs. 422 Crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund. In addition, the State also requested Rs. 1100 Crore as Special Financial Assistance for permanent restoration of critical infrastructure.

Press Release No. 425/14

3RD INTERNATIONAL TOURISM MART CONCLUDED

During the 3rd International Tourism Mart, 2014, a one-to-one business meetings between the seller delegates from the North Eastern Region and West Bengal and buyer delegates from overseas and other regions of the country was held at the State Convention Centre, Shillong on 15th October, 2014.

These meetings were aimed at establishing business contacts between the business fraternity of the region with their counterparts from other regions of the country and also with other countries, with the objective of promoting tourism and increasing tourist arrivals to the North East Region. In addition to the business interactions and technical sessions, the International Tourism Mart 2014 has given the participating delegates a complete and holistic experience, since they were exposed to the cuisines and culture of all the North Eastern states and were also presented with small souvenirs from each of the states.

An exhibition was also setup at the venue where all participating states exhibited their tourism products. Later on the day, the delegates visited Don Bosco Museum, Mawlai and a technical visit to the Cherrapunjee/ Mawlynnong was also arrange for the delegates on 16th October 2014. Thereafter, the overseas delegates will be taken on familiarisation tours to the different states in the region and West Bengal, to give them firsthand knowledge and experience of the destinations.

It may be mentioned that the 3rd International Tourism Mart 2014 was inaugurated at the State Convention Centre, Shillong on 14th October 2014, by Dr. Mukul Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister in the presence of Shri. Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge).

The formal inauguration of the Mart was followed by Technical Presentations by all the North Eastern States and West Bengal, wherein each State highlighted its unique features and tourist attractions. All delegates at the event participated in the interactive technical sessions, which gave them an exposure to the tourism potential of the region.

A welcome programme for the delegates was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism on 14th October 2014 at Convocation Hall of North Eastern Hill University, Shillong. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister made an announcement that the next i.e. 4th International Tourism Mart will be held in Sikkim in 2015. This was welcomed by all the delegates and participants.