Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 226/18

CM CALLS ON UNION MOS, TOURISM

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma today called on Union Minister of State Tourism Shri K. J. Alphons along with State Tourism Minister Shri Metbah Lyngdoh at his office in New Delhi and sought his intervention to initiate “destination tourism” projects in the state. The Chief Minister discussed on development of tourism infrastructure and amenities in different tourist locations with particular focus on Sohra, Umiam and eco-tourism destination of Nokrek and Balpakram. “We have to build tourism around Unique Selling Points (USPs) of the region and the focus of the Government will be to balance tourism potential of the State in sync with creating avenues for the farming community as well as youth to take entrepreneurial activities,” said the Chief Minister. The Union Minister suggested the Chief Minister to also work on possibilities to promote luxury tourism in State harping on its rich potentials. “Meghalaya is a priority State for the Ministry of Tourism and we are going to extend all possible help to boost tourism. I would personally take up the issue of road connectivity in Meghalaya with Union Transport Minister for his personal intervention,” said Shri Alphons in his conversation with the Chief Minister.

Shri Alphons also briefed the Chief Minister that 12 different locations has been identified in Northeast to promote destination tourism including Sohra, where caving will the focus area of concern. “We want to develop the cave network of Meghalaya and make it a major attraction for the tourist,” Alphons added. Alphons also assured the Chief Minister that all pending tourism projects of the State would be accorded thrust and would be implemented in right earnest.

Press Release No. 227/18

CM MEETS DONER MINISTER AT NEW DELHI

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma today met Union DoNER Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi to apprise him of the different developmental works being carried out in Meghalaya and sought for his full support. Dr. Singh has assured full support and cooperation to take forward developmental projects in Meghalaya. The Chief Minister discussed on the newly launched special scheme from the Ministry – North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), under which the State Government has submitted several proposal to be taken up in Meghalaya. NESIDS is fully funded by the Government of India to fill up gaps of infrastructure relating to water supply, power, and connectivity especially for promotion of tourism. It also funds programme for creation of infrastructure in social sector, primarily in primary and secondary education and health.

“We have decided to hold a joint meeting with all concerned officials to take the proposed projects for Meghalaya forward”, said the Chief Minister. The projects include – solar streetlights in 1800 villages, and upgradation of several roads in different parts of the State. The Chief Minister also apprised him on different development works in Meghalaya, which are being taken up considering the upcoming National Games 2022 and projects to boost farming and tourism. “The agenda is to set up a high end food processing park in Meghalaya and my engagement with the minister was on this. He has assured to give his best support to take the growth of Meghalaya forward”, the Chief Minister added.

Press Release No. 228/18

CHIEF MINISTER MEETS UNION MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND PANCHAYAT RAJ

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma today called on Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar along with State Tourism Minister Shri Metbah Lyngdoh at his office in New Delhi to discuss on issues pertaining to the State of Meghalaya. The Chief Minister sought minister’s support for development of water harvesting and check dams to tap on the rich sources of the State and provide safe drinking water to the people. “We want to ensure that every village and household in Meghalaya have access to safe drinking water. The focus is to ensure that along all water sources, reservoirs are constructed, so that water can be made readily available to the people,” the Chief Minister said in his deliberation with the Union Minister. He said on a target basis Meghalaya wants to create infrastructure to tap water resources, so that every household and villages can be covered over the next few years.

The Union Minister has suggested the Chief Minister to make an official visit to Himachal Pradesh and take cue on the best practices on water conservation and water distribution models initiating by the Himalayan State. The Chief Minister also sought for full support for the successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadhak Yojana (PMGSY) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). “We want to implement all central Government schemes in right earnest and ensure monitoring and accountability,” the Chief Minister said in his deliberation, while apprising the Union Minister of the initiative to seek ground report on all projects and schemes from DCs of respective districts on a monthly basis and minister’s visit every three months to different districts of Meghalaya and stay overnight and hold consultation with different stakeholders and public.