Village body looking after management of Elephant Falls turns 25
Shillong, Dec 2: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has called for a mission-mode drive to set up clean toilets in tourist destinations and across different establishments in the state.
“Let us embark on a mission mode to have clean toilets that are maintained well in schools, health centres, offices and all public places,” he said while addressing the closing ceremony of silver jubilee celebrations of San Shnong Youth Welfare Organisation (SSYWO), which looks after management of the famous tourist spot, Elephant Falls.
Answering to the concern of SSYWO on having proper toilets at Elephant Falls, he said having access to clean toilets at tourist destinations is one of the top agendas of the Tourism department.
Meanwhile, he informed that a toilet for Elephant Falls through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds is already in the offing.
Elephant Falls that was once a den of nefarious activities has been transformed into an iconic tourist destination through the coming together of youth from five villages thus forming the SSYWO 25 years ago.
Today, SSYWO not only manages Elephant Falls successfully but also carries out several welfare activities of the women and youth rendering important relief services.
The Chief Minister while congratulating SSYWO on achieving the milestone of 25 years, said, “Though the journey of SSYWO had been difficult today’s celebration is an example to show what can be achieved when you come together and focus on the purpose.”
He also said the name San Shnong itself is very symbolic adding, “San Shnong stands for five villages like the five fingers of the hand but when the five fingers come together it forms the fist which represents power and unity.”
The Chief Minister reiterated the commitment and focus of the government in the Tourism sector as being a sector of opportunities, sustainability and transformation and an important stakeholder in the $Billion economy vision.
“I am happy to inform that in the past seven-and-a-half years, we are slowly moving towards that direction for transformation takes time but as of today there are about 240 projects with investments of Rs 3,900 crore in this sector,” he said while sharing details of some of the upcoming iconic projects that will reshape and transform the tourism scenario in the state.
On participation of the community in the government programmes, the Chief Minister said, “The greatest strength of our state is our communities and if we can combine the community with the funding of the government into PPP, this model will unlock the sustainable economic potential that the state has.”
He cited several examples across the state where the community has partnered with the government bringing successful results.
“The government comes in, funds and creates the assets and gives it back to you to run and operate it and I hope we can work this model with SSYWO,” he said.
The Chief Minister also felicitated the founding members of the SSYWO on the occasion.
Also present were Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira and Tourism officials besides the members of SSYWO.
