Meghalaya optimistic of Union Ministry’s tourism promotion schemes

As per the Union Ministry’s tourism development programms – ‘Swedesh Darshan’ and ‘PRASAD’, the Meghalaya State Tourism Department has submitted new proposals to the Center to be considered for approval.

Under the Swedesh Darshan Scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development. The circuits are Northeast India circuit, Buddhist, Himalayan, Coastal, Krishna, Desert, Tribal, Eco, Wildlife, Rural, Spiritual, Ramayana and Heritage circuits.

The ‘PRASAD’ scheme (National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive), focuses on development and beautification of the identified pilgrimage destinations.

In the ‘circuits’, the emphasis will be on development of a particular theme and connecting the places coming under the theme.  Recently the union ministry has announced a Ramayana Circuit connecting all those places as described in the epic Ramayana.

“We have already forwarded the proposals to the central government and received assurance on the support from the central ministry. We would ensure that all guidelines are followed,” said Metbah Lyngdoh, Tourism Minister of Meghalaya.

Emphasizing the huge tourism potential the state is having, Lyngdoh said the government is committed to provide and develop the necessary infrastructure to attract more tourists to the state.

Despite having several bottlenecks, Meghalaya could receive around one million tourists during the year 2017, according to statistics from the Tourism Department. The government is expecting to enhance the numbers through the implementation of the central government programmes.