Lake custody to be retransferred to Tourism dept ** Closing time to extend till 10
Shillong, Apr 10: Ward’s Lake, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, is all set to be equipped with new entertainment facilities as well as retransfer of custody from Forest department to Tourism department.
Rs 18 crore has been allocated for immediate development of the lake, including facilities such as cafes, sound & light shows, etc., tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh told reporters on Thursday.
Informing about the retransfer, the minister said the Ward’s Lake, including its iconic bridge, had always been with Tourism department, but Forest and Environment department was given its custody due to certain reasons.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by the chief minister, he said.
Meanwhile, the tourism minister announced that closing time of Ward’s Lake will be extended from 5 pm to 10 pm after its formal hand over to the Tourism department.
The extended closing time and the leisure and entertainment facility will address the visitors’ complain about not having any activities during evening hours, he said.
“It will also help our government employees… offices close at 5 pm and the lake also shuts at 5 pm. So, at least they should have some time to walk around and do some physical exercise,” he said.
Asked, Lyngdoh said a major attraction would be the sound & light show, which will attract the people.
More events will be organised to enhance the entertainment quotient of the lake, he said.
