Heritage resort to be built at British era sericulture farm in city
Shillong, Aug 20: In a major boost to tourism in Meghalaya, the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) has cleared Rs 220 crore worth of projects for tourism development in Sohra, tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh told reporters on Wednesday.
Pointing out that unlike previous instances of Ministry of Tourism and funding agencies such as ADB and NDB, this time DoNER of DoNER Jyotiraditya M Scindia has cleared tourism projects worth Rs 220 crore in Sohra, the minister said.
“For the first time, the Ministry of DoNER has also cleared investment plans for the tourism sector,” Lyngdoh said.
The DoNER minister is likely to attend this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival and lay the foundation stones for a few projects in and around Sohra.
The minister said these projects will focus on experiential tourism, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in village life and local culture.
Lyngdoh also announced the government’s decision to establish a ‘Heritage Resort’ at the sericulture farm at Lawsohtun.
Referring to his visit to the Textile Complex at Lawsohtun, which is close to Shillong Ropeway project, he said it was then the decision was taken to push for creation of a Heritage Resort, which will be the oldest of its kind in the North East, he said.
The resort will be developed British era sericulture farm established in 1925.
“To further enhance and elevate the experience of visitors to Meghalaya, we will combine activities of both the textiles department and the tourism department in order to also cater to the potential rise of footfall in that region, once the Shillong Ropeway Project is completed hopefully in two years from now,” Lyngdoh stated.
