Ropeway for tourists

SHILLONG, MAR 21: The Meghalaya government will develop Mawsynram and Sohra in the East Khasi hills district as a tourist destination to give a fillip to tourism in the state.

The chief minister told the state Assembly on Thursday that Mawsynram and Sohra plateau will be connected by a cable car, similar ropeway service will also be started between Baghmara and Siju across the Simsang river in view of the increase inflow of tourists, especially from Europe, into Garo Hills.

Tourism, he said, acts as an engine of growth through creation of direct and indirect employment and livelihood opportunities. “Tourism infrastructure creation triggers small business and self-employment. These activities can range from providing tour and guide services to setting up of restaurants, souvenir shops and local handicrafts outlets,” he said.

Sangma said with this goal in mind, the tourism department has taken up various initiatives for creation of tourist hubs like wayside amenities, tourist lodges and inns funded both by the Union ministry of tourism and also the state government “These facilities have helped to generate livelihood in terms of direct employment for services as receptionists, waiters, cooks, housekeeping staff as well as indirect employment in terms of supplies required for running these facilities,” he added. (By Our Reporter)