Shillong, June 10: Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal has said funds provided by the union government led by prime minister Narendra Modi for development of tourism in Meghalaya has made tourism-related growth a key pillar of development of the state.
“Meghalaya is a shining example of success of schemes like Swadesh Darshan. The Modi Govt sanctioned ₹244 cr to boost Sustainable Tourism which has created potential in iconic destinations like Umium Lake, Sohpetbneng, Krang Suri Falls, Siju Caves, and Nokrek Reserve are being transformed into world-class tourist attractions,” the union minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and former chief minister of Assam told reporters on Tuesday.
Terming Shillong a beautiful city and Meghalaya “a gift of Mother Earth”, he said, “We must celebrate her with utmost sincerity and ensure sustainable development through harnessing the immense possibilities in the tourism sector. The boom in tourism in the state is a positive sign as how Meghalaya has become a destination of choice for most domestic as well as international tourists visiting India. “
He explained the growth of sustainable tourism in the state, saying, “From waterfall trails to the Meghalayan Age Cave Experience, the focus on sustainable and immersive tourism has revitalised local economies and created livelihood opportunities. Spiritual and heritage sites like Nartiang and Mawphlang villages are also being promoted under niche tourism categories, positioning Meghalaya as a vibrant destination within India’s Northeast tourism circuit.”
On the fiscal aid to Meghalaya, the Union Minister said, “Meghalaya, backed by a 105% increase in central grants-in-aid, has seen a substantial scale-up in infrastructure & social welfare.”
“Landmark initiatives include the ₹22,864 crore Greenfield High-Speed Corridor between Mawlyngkhung & Panchgram, set to drastically improve regional connectivity & logistics. Over 540 km of National Highways have been constructed, and urban mobility projects in New Shillong and Tura are being implemented under PM-DevINE,” he said.
The union minister also mentioned about welfare interventions such as post-matric scholarships for over 76,000 SC/ST/OBC students, ₹2,331 crore disbursed under MUDRA loans, and a threefold increase in National Health Mission (NHM) that have empowered communities across Meghalaya.
“These milestones reflect the Modi government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development, economic empowerment, and regional integration of the Northeast,” he said.
