Shillong, June 28: In its bid to ensure public participation to improve tourism potential of Meghalaya, the state government has planned organise a competition to encourage localities to grow maximum number of cherry blossom trees.
Disclosing this tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh said that the localities growing the maximum number of cherry blossom trees will be recognised and suitably rewarded.
The department of tourism will tie up with the forest department for this initiative, Lyngdoh told reporters.
Expressing his gratitude to the forest department for its support, he mentioned about the return of the custody of Ward’s Lake from Forest department to Tourism department and allocation of nearly 300 acres of land for tourism projects.
Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most significant festival given its global acceptance, he said, adding that Japanese Ambassador visited the festival last year.
He also emphasized the positive impact of the festival on local tribal musicians, providing them with a platform and opportunities to earn a living.
Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled on November 14 and 15.
The minister said this time the government plans to make it a “walkers’ experience,” allowing people to see cherry blossoms growing along the route from Ward’s Lake to Polo.
