Meghalaya to manage visitors with sustainable tourism motto

Shillong: Meghalaya will manage the footfall of tourists visiting the tourist sites in accordance with the global practices as part of its endeavour to become the country’s best and most sustainable tourist destination. This was stated by chief minister (CM) Conrad K Sangma during his budget speech made in the assembly on Wednesday.CM Sangma said, “We are strategising a plan to notify eco-tourism zones with defined carrying capacities and will charge a higher green fee from visitors. The revenue generated would be disbursed equitably among the communities involved. I am allocating Rs 50 crore for the 2024-25 financial year to set up adequate infrastructure at the notified zones.”The annual tourist footfall recorded in the present financial year till date is 13.81 lakh, which is 1.1 lakh more than that reported during the pre-pandemic days, he revealed.“I am committing an investment of Rs 200 crore for new tourism circuits with bases at Umling in Ri Bhoi, Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills, Doldegre in West Garo Hills, Sohiong in East Khasi Hills, Syntung in East Khasi Hills, Mairang in Eastern West Khasi Hills, Resubelpara in North Garo Hills, Wari Chora in South Garo Hills, Umden in Ri Bhoi, besides Nongstoin and Mawphanlur in West Khasi Hills,” he announced.An additional Rs 150 crore investment would be made in the Meghalayan Age Experiential Centre at Mawmluh in East Khasi Hills, development of the tribal heritage centre in Mandalgre in East Garo Hills, the geology museum at Nongnah in South West Khasi Hills, and the development of Umngot riverfront at Shnongpdeng, Darrang, and Dawki in West Jaintia Hills, the CM said. The CM stated, “With the rising number of tourists, nearly 3,000 additional high-value rooms are needed, translating into a requirement of five-star hotels and other premium properties. It is expected that the new hotels would be built in Shillong, New Shillong, Umiam, Sohra, and Tura by the private sector.”

Sky cycle, gyro ride to add adventure to hills

Melghat Tiger Reserve plans to boost adventure tourism with activities like sky cycling, human gyro ride, climbing wall, zipline, and rappelling. The project, led by Amravati district collector Saurabh Katiyar, aims to create employment opportunities and increase revenue. The reserve has already seen an increase in tourist numbers.

Light showers in Doon, hills to get snow tonight

An orange alert issued for Uttarakhand on Feb 20. Heavy snowfall and thunderstorm activity predicted in multiple districts. Wet weather continues till Tuesday. Roads closure expected, snow clearance machinery deployment advised. State government action urged.

TTD to conduct Brahmotsavams at Jubilee hills temple from March 8

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams will conduct the annual Brahmotsavams of Lord Venkateswara at the Jubilee hills temple in Hyderabad from March 8. This is the second TTD temple in Hyderabad, established on March 13, 2019, with an 8.6 feet tall deity made of black granite.