Cabinet approves EAP

SHILLONG, MAY 6: The state Cabinet on Friday approved a $98 million externally aided project (EAP) under the Meghalaya Eco Tourism Infrastructure Development Project (MEIDP) for overall development of infrastructure across the state.

After chairing the meeting, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the project is for development of infrastructure for eco-tourism in Meghalaya.

The eco-tourism projects include landscaping and building of tourism amenities in different locations. It also looks at revamping overall infrastructure eco-tourism, different cultural aspects and how to improve the infrastructure around those areas, heritage walks like the David Scott trail and different aspects of tourism spots in the state.

“So basically it’s in and around the overall development of infrastructure throughout the state,” Sangma said adding that the EAP has been approved by the cabinet as required by the NDB and Government of India.

Asserting the need for a holistic village development, the chief minister said, “(Through the EAP), we are going to adopt villages in one way and improve the overall tourism projects around those areas. There is also some components of road connectivity,” he said.

Sangma said there are many components but in a nutshell it is basically regarding the infrastructural development around different tourist destinations.