Shillong: Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira on Tuesday announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure across Meghalaya, including the development of a five-star hotel in Tura through a public-private partnership.
A formal programme is scheduled for Wednesday to hand over land at the site previously known as Polo Orchid to an international hotel group for construction of the proposed hotel project. The project, estimated to cost around ₹40 crore, will be developed on approximately one to two acres of land.
Speaking to reporters, Shira said the government is focusing on expanding tourism across the state by improving infrastructure and accommodation facilities. He also highlighted the importance of better connectivity, noting that while Guwahati currently serves as the nearest airport for the region, the upcoming Baljek Airport is expected to significantly improve access by bringing air connectivity to within about 30 kilometres of Tura.
The minister further informed that several other tourism-related projects are underway, including a tourist lodge at Siju and a convention centre at Resubelpara, each estimated at about ₹23 crore. Development works at Mondalgre are also planned with a similar project cost.
Emphasising the role of local participation, Shira said communities in areas such as the Nokrek Biosphere are increasingly taking responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and managing waste, with awareness measures already in place to discourage littering and open defecation. Facilities such as public toilets are also being created to support these efforts, he added.
