Shillong, June 13: The state Cabinet on Friday approved the proposal for leasing of 273.41 acres of MeECL land to the tourism department for a period of 60 years for the implementation of various tourism projects.
Addressing media persons after the meeting, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said, “I am happy to share with you that in order to monetize the unutilized land of MeECL and its subsidiaries for development of tourism projects on lease and revenue sharing mode, the cabinet today cleared the proposal whereby the power department through the MeECL has decided to part with 273.41 acres of land and lease them to the tourism department.”
According to him, the areas includes the existing IB campus, the land from Le-junction all along the dyke, RI Shad Sngi upto Nongsdier village, police station and all the land behind the MeECL school, land behind NHRDC upto NESAC, block V area and Lumpongdeng Island.
“This transfer of land from the power department to the tourism department will be as per government policy which is first on a 60 years lease period extendable by 30 years,” he added.
Asked, the minister said that “the department will pay Rs 1 per acre but the share of the power department will be 90% as lease amount for the first 60 years, which is extendable by 30 years”.
He said that the proposal was to further enhance and upscale the tourism sector in the state.
The government will bring in five star hotels, introduction of Lake Cruise services within the next one year.
“We will draw a map whereby we will optimally used huge track of land which 273.41 acres,” Lyngdoh added further.
