50% of Meghalaya’s population consists of people below 20 years: CM
Shillong, June 4: Adding to the tourist attraction as well as sporting arena at Umiam Lake, chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday launched the state’s first sailing yacht ‘Meghalinor’ at the scenic lake in Ri-Bhoi district.
The yacht has a greater impact as it brings together two critical sectors – tourism and sports, the chief minister said.
Stating that the government’s vision to create livelihood opportunities all sectors including tourism and sports, he said, “The youth are at the centre of what we do.”
Explaining the focus on youth, he said the state’s population consists of about 50 per cent below the age of 20 years.
“We have to set the foundations for them to be able to provide them with the opportunities in the years to come,” he said.
Tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh, commissioner & secretary (Tourism) Vijay Kumar D and Tourism director CV Diengdoh were also present on the occasion.
Water sports and sailing are some of the initiatives taken by the government to boost tourism around Umiam lake.
However, the chief minister said, Umiam lake has not yet realised its true potential.
Expressing the hope to develop the area as one of the best places for recreation in the eastern region of the country, he said, “Today’s small yet significant move will improve the overall experience of our tourists, but this is only the beginning.”
Lauding the athletes who had brought accolades to the state in the last National Games in kayaking and canoeing, he said Umiam lake can become the centre for water sports in the state.
