Shillong, Aug 17: Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, emphasized the vital role of community engagement in driving the state’s economic growth during the inauguration of “The Travellers Nest” at Kyiem village in Mawphlang, East Khasi Hills. Located near the renowned sacred forests of the Khasis, this initiative highlights Meghalaya’s commitment to sustainable development and collaborative progress.
Today’s inauguration of the Kyiem Travellers’ Nest at Mawphlang. Tourism has immense potential in the area. We will develop more facilities so that tourism flourishes and the community benefits.@kishanreddybjp pic.twitter.com/v7D3FmTCN6
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) August 16, 2023
Sangma underscored the importance of collective responsibility among various stakeholders, including the government, the community, and the public. He stressed that Meghalaya’s progress hinges on the active involvement of all parties, and identifying their roles while keeping the ultimate goal in mind is critical.
The Chief Minister expressed his optimism about initiatives like “The Travellers Nest,” which consists of five cottages and a restaurant, catering to visitors’ needs. Situated 28 km south of the state capital, this prefab structure aims to promote tourism, a key sector for Meghalaya’s economic growth.
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Sangma shared the state’s vision of creating nearly one lakh job opportunities in the tourism sector through various interventions by stakeholders. He mentioned the Chief Minister’s Elevate program, which provides substantial subsidies ranging from 30% to 75% for projects initiated by entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and other entities. This program aims to invigorate the economy through diverse initiatives, such as cinema halls, health clubs, and tourism projects.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the significance of improved road infrastructure in the state. He cited the ongoing improvement and construction of the road from Mawphlang to Weiloi as evidence of the government’s commitment to prioritizing road connectivity. Sangma expressed confidence that Meghalaya’s relentless efforts would lead to a prosperous and sustainable future.
He emphasized that the state’s progress is rooted in community participation and collaboration. Together, they are working towards shaping a brighter tomorrow for Meghalaya. During the program, the Chief Minister flagged off eight Toyota tourist vehicles released under the Prime Tourism Vehicles scheme, further demonstrating the state’s commitment to boosting tourism.
Sangma’s words echo the sentiment that the key to sustainable development lies in harnessing the collective strengths of communities, government initiatives, and public engagement. By promoting initiatives like “The Travellers Nest” and focusing on sectors like tourism, Meghalaya is poised to showcase a model of economic growth that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and community-driven progress.
